Inside alleged fatal stabbing victim Dylan McPadden’s final moments

The partner of a man who died after an alleged stabbing at a Gold Coast tavern has told a court his final words on the phone. His accused killer will stand trial for murder. FULL STORY

Tyler Hailes, who has been charged with the murder of Dylan McPadden at RQ’s Tavern in Robina on August 17. Picture: 7NEWS Gold Coast.

The girlfriend of Dylan McPadden has revealed his last words to her as he was allegedly fatally stabbed outside a popular Gold Coast tavern last year, a murder committal has heard.

Dylan McPadden, who died after being stabbed at TQ's Tavern in Robina on August 17.

Amara Pato testified in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday, that she had been on a phone call with her then-partner Mr McPadden at the moment when he was allegedly fatally stabbed outside Robina’s RQ Tavern in August, 2023.

Tyler Rewi Malcolm Hailes, charged with Mr McPadden’s murder, appeared in the court on Thursday morning for a committal with cross-examination.

“[Mr McPadden] said that a fight was going to happen, he knew that Tyler [Mr Hailes] was coming but he understood it was going to be a punch on,” Ms Pato said.

“I know he [Mr McPadden] knew Tyler [Mr Hailes] from back in school but as an acquaintance, nothing more than that,” she told the court.

Ms Pato told the court Mr McPadden had found the idea of the fight amusing but was not involved in it - and was merely an onlooker who made “a silly decision to stay” once the fight had started.

“I heard [someone say] ‘He stabbed me’ and he sounded very shocked, whoever said it, at the time I didn’t know it was him [Mr McPadden],” Ms Pato said.

‘That’s where I kind of went into shock about it and I just remember rustling and a possible ‘f**k you’ at some point but I don’t know in what order.

“It wasn’t into the phone anymore, it sounded further from the phone so I assumed it was someone else and he [Mr McPadden] had gone to help someone.”

Ms Pato had to leave the courtroom soon after, overcome with emotion.

Magistrate Dominic Brunello told Mr Hailes that he was to appear for trial before a jury in the Supreme Court Brisbane and would be notified of the date by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Hailes faces nine charges including murder, possessing dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of weapons category A, B or M, unlawfully wound another, possess utensils or pipes etc. for use and fail to properly dispose of needle and syringe among others.

Mr Hailes, who has not entered a plea, will remain remanded in custody until a court date is set for him in the Supreme Court Brisbane.

Tyler Hailes' co-accused Jade Laing, charged with accessory after the face to murder. Picture: Supplied

Mr Hailes’ partner Jade Laing, charged with accessory after the fact to murder for allegedly driving him to and from the tavern, also appeared separately for a committal hearing with submissions.

Ms Laing declined to say anthing in relation to the charge against her, did not enter a plea and was also ordered to stand trial. She was released on bail.

Ms Laing did not answer reporters’ questions as she left the Southport courthouse on Thursday morning.