George Diamond’s father Vic has given emotional testimony at the inquest in to his son’s death

A coroner’s inquest is underway to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a young man at a Cranbourne West gym after he was cleared to return to boxing.

George Diamond, 18, died on February 21, 2019 after suffering at least one blow to the head while boxing at a gym.

A father has broken down in tears as he gave evidence at the Coroner’s Court into the death of his son who died at the gym after being medically cleared to return to boxing following a concussion.

Pearcedale man and keen amateur boxer, George Diamond, 18, collapsed in a car park following a sparring session at Sting Gym in Cranbourne West in February 2019.

The court heard he later succumbed to a brain haemorrhage after unsuccessful surgery to relieve pressure on his brain at The Alfred Hospital.

George had suffered a prior concussion back in October 2018 following a sparring session. He went to his local GP twice and Frankston Hospital, but was sent away and told to monitor his symptoms and return if they get worse. He was medically cleared by a GP to return to the ring on January 25, 2019.

George’s father, Vic Diamond, faced a gruelling three-hour inquiry from lawyers for doctors involved in George’s care after his October concussion, as well as staff from the gym where his son trained.

Mr Diamond became emotional when questioned about the final weeks and months he shared with his son.

He broke down in tears while recounting a conversation they had following an appointment at Frankston Hospital. Mr Diamond recalled asking his son if continuing to box was a good idea.

“Maybe you should give boxing a miss for a little while,” he said. “But he replied, ‘Dad, the gym owners have said I am all good, two GPs have said I am all good, a doctor at the hospital has said I don’t even have to do a scan. We have to trust what they’re saying because they’re professionals.’ I regret that so much,” Mr Diamond testified before breaking down in tears.

After a short break to compose himself, Mr Diamond returned to the stand. When questioned by a lawyer for the doctor who dismissed Mr Diamond’s requests for his son to get a CT scan, Mr Diamond’s temper flared.

“I asked the doctor for a CT scan twice. Back pain can happen from a brain bleed, he should know that. Look at every head trauma regulation; there are red flags everywhere. How can I put it without being rude? It’s disgusting. I am sorry.”

When responding to questions from lawyers representing Sting Gym, Mr Diamond made an impassioned plea, “What’s wrong with putting your hand up and saying I made a mistake, I stuffed up. What’s wrong with that, so my son can rest in peace.”

The coroner’s inquest continues this afternoon. .