Gold Coaster Mark ‘Zeb’ Spencer could have been saved despite brutal face injuries

A COOMERA father bludgeoned to death at his home could have been saved if his airways were cleared and CPR was performed, a court has been told.

Mark Spencer. Picture: Facebook.

A COOMERA father bludgeoned to death at his home could have been saved if his airways had been cleared and CPR performed, a court heard.

Mark “Zeb” Spencer was found dead and bloodied on his back porch on October 1, 2014 after an alleged failed drug robbery.

A “Craigslist” prostitute last year pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Her former partner, Mark Vincent Dayney, yesterday faced a committal hearing in the Southport Magistrates Court over the 37-year-old father’s death.

Mr Spencer died after suffering a blow to the face.

Police with Mark Dayney driving to Southport Watchhouse. Photo: Kit Wise

Despite the strike from either a racquet or baseball bat, forensic pathologist Dr Beng Beng Ong said Mr Spencer ultimately died because he could not breathe.

“There was minor bleeding in the brain which could be easily recovered from,” Dr Ong said.

“The only area with serious injuries were fractures to the facial bones.”

He said Mr Spencer also had a “defence-type” fracture to his right hand and bruises to various parts of his body.

Police with Mark Dayney driving to Southport Watchhouse. Photo: Kit Wise

Dr Ong said it was likely these bruises were sustained close to the time of his death.

He said methamphetamine, or ice, was found in Mr Spencer’s system in high levels.

Detective Senior Constable David Paddock said no fingerprints of forensic value were found on either weapon.

Sen-Constable Paddock said the beginnings of a drug lab were found at Mr Spencer’s home, including lab equipment in bubble wrap.

He said a 0.22 calibre rifle and a handgun were also found on Mr Spencer’s property.

Sen-Constable Paddock said police had received information that Mr Spencer may have had more guns but nobody could corroborate this.

Mr Spencer’s former housemate Cian Hodson was questioned about whether Mr Spencer dealt weapons.

He said he had heard “Chinese whispers” about firearm deals but did not know if they were true.

Mr Hodson claimed if Mr Spencer had more weapons in the house Mr Dayney would not be alive.

“If (Mr Spencer) did have guns he would have used them and it would be a completely different trial,” said Mr Hodson, gesturing at Mr Dayney in court.

“He is a very lucky man to be sitting there today.”

Mr Hodson said the only weapons he had seen on Mr Spencer’s property were a 0.22-calibre rifle and handgun.

Mr Hodson told the court Mr Spencer had been seeing prostitute Peta Lorang-Goubran regularly before his death.

Ms Lorang-Goubran pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court last August to Mr Spencer’s manslaughter. She was jailed for seven years.

Yesterday, supporters of Mr Dayney held up a sheet of paper in court, which read: “Nanna said you’re in their heart & that God will be with you”.

Ms Lorang-Goubran is expected to give testimony in court today.