Top criminal lawyer Dave Garratt has died suddenly on the Gold Coast

Tributes are flowing for top Queensland criminal lawyer and former soldier Dave Garratt, who has died suddenly at his home.

Gold Coast lawyer Dave Garratt has died suddenly.

One of Queensland’s top criminal lawyers has died suddenly.

Dave Garratt, who represented clients including NRL stars including Payne Haas and Anthony Milford as well as ex-Broncos coach Anthony Seibold, was found dead at his Gold Coast home on Thursday night.

It’s believed barrister and close mate David Funch made the tragic discovery.

Mr Garratt, a former Australian soldier who served in the Middle East, was a partner in the firm Howden Saggers founded by now-magistrate Mark Howden.

“Howden Saggers Lawyers are today mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of its director, Dave Garratt,” the firm posted on Facebook on Friday.

Dave Garratt has represented a number of NRL identities, including Payne Haas. File picture

“Dave’s life was one of service, both to Australia and justice. This will forever be how we remember him. Dave passed unexpectedly at home last night.

“Our valued clients will remain our priority and we will be working with those directly impacted over the coming days to make alternative arrangements.”

Mr Garratt helped Broncos star Payne Haas avoid a conviction after he was charged with intimidating police and using offensive language at Tweed Heads last year

The lawyer also represented Kotoni Staggs in a matter in which a woman released a sex tape on the internet in 2020 and Anthony Milford after he was charged with assault and wilful damage in Fortitude Valley last year.

Mr Garratt acted for former Broncos coach Anthony Seibold after he was targeted in a vicious social media smear campaign in 2020.

Dave Garratt served in the Australian Defence Force and as a lawyer represented soldiers charged with war crimes.

Other high-profile clients have included Susie Forte, widow of murdered police officer Brett Forte, and Lauren Grainger, who was charged with the bizarre kidnapping of Brisbane private school teacher Anthony Stott hours before he was run down and killed by a semi-trailer on the M1.

Mr Garratt represented Susie Forte at the long-running inquest into her husband’s death and generously continued to work for her pro bono when the funding arrangement ended.

He was also representing SAS soldiers charged with war crimes in Afghanistan.

Tributes are flowing on social media, including from fellow servicemen and lawyers, with many describing his passing as “heartbreaking”.

One Gold Coast lawyer told NewsCorp, Mr Garratt was “top bloke” while another said he was generous with his time and always willing to help out.

Former Queensland Law Society president and Potts Lawyers director Bill Potts said: “He was an excellent lawyer and his heart was in the right place as well.”

Tributes were also flowing on social media.

“Great soldier, great lawyer and great mate. You’ll be missed dearly,” one person posted on the Howden Saggers Facebook page.

Another wrote: “Rest easy mate, thanks for the good times, and an eternal thanks for your service to the country.”

Someone else posted: “Lost for words, such a kind and giving soul. RIP Dave, thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.”

It’s understood Mr Garratt had a young son.

Originally published as Top criminal lawyer Dave Garratt has died suddenly on the Gold Coast