Family of alleged Gold Coast assault victim Cameron Duce share fresh pain as accused attacker’s case back in court

The grieving family of alleged assault victim Cameron Duce say they are focused on keeping his memory alive as the young man’s accused attacker returns to court. READ THE LATEST

The grieving family of alleged assault victim Cameron Duce say they are focused on keeping his memory alive as they face their first Christmas without him.

Heartbroken parents Chris and Sonia were surrounded by supporters when the case of the teenager accused of fatally attacking their son returned to court on Tuesday.

Cameron Duce, who died after an alleged assault in Burleigh on September 22.

Cameron, 22, died in hospital days after he was found lying on the ground at Burleigh with a severe head injury in the early hours of September 22.

Police allege 18-year-old Austin Ballard kicked him during an altercation between several groups. The teen has since been charged with unlawful striking causing death.

Speaking outside the Southport courthouse, Cameron’s devastated parents fought back tears as they shared the pain of bracing for the first holiday season since losing their son.

Chris and Sonia - parents of alleged Gold Coast assault victim Cameron Duce. Picture: Jessica Paul

“We came to court today, with our friends, for Cameron – we’re only here for Cameron (and) keeping Cameron’s memory alive,” Mr Duce said.

“We’ll be having our first Christmas without our son while (his alleged attacker) will be at home celebrating with his family.

“It’s the first step in a long process that we’re going to have to deal with, and we have no other option (than to) just be here for Cameron – that’s all we can do.”

The family of Cameron Duce delivering a statement at the Gold Coast District police headquarters in Surfers Paradise shortly after his death. Picture: QPS.

It was the first time Mr Ballard’s case had returned to Southport Magistrates Court since he was granted bail last month.

His defence team indicated at the time that he intended to fight the charge, but no plea has formally been entered.

Defence solicitor Farshad Sarabi, of Hannay Lawyers, told the court this week that they were seeking a brief of evidence, with the matter to eventually proceed to a higher court.

Hundreds gathered at Burleigh Heads for a candlelight vigil for young Gold Coast man Cameron Duce, who died after he was allegedly assaulted in the popular beachside suburb.

Mr Sarabi said he could not comment on how his client was faring, but that he would obviously go through the court process.

“There’s no winners and losers in cases like these … it’s just a sad set of circumstances for everyone,” he said.

Mr Ballard’s case was adjourned to January 14. He remains on bail.

Cameron’s family has launched a #justice4cam campaign in the wake of his death, including holding talks with political representatives about improving community safety in Burleigh.

Originally published as Family of alleged Gold Coast assault victim Cameron Duce share fresh pain as accused attacker’s case back in court