Colac man charged with murder over alleged stabbing of Corio’s Jayme “Chugs” Sykes

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man with murder after the CBD stabbing of a popular young barber, as loved ones gathered to pay their respects near the scene of the deadly confrontation.

Corio man 20-year-old Jayme “Chugs” Sykes is being remembered as a “ripper bloke” who had the world at his feet.

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a Colac man with murder over the stabbing of a young barber in Geelong, amid calls for change in the CBD after a string of violent incidents in the city’s night-life hub.

Jayme “Chugs” Sykes, 20, was allegedly stabbed during an altercation on Little Malop St about 5.30am on Sunday.

The Corio man was taken to hospital where he later died.

A Colac man, 26, attended a police station on Monday where he was taken into custody and and interviewed by investigators.

Two other Colac men, aged 23 and 26, self-presented at a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries on Sunday morning.

“They will be interviewed at a later date,” Victoria Police spokeswoman Leonie Johnson said.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.”

Jayme Sykes’ family and friends in Little Malop St on Monday.

Emotional scenes unfolded on Monday as a large group of family and friends gathered near the scene of the fatal confrontation.

Visibly distraught loved ones were seen hugging and crying just before 2pm. Some raised a drink in tribute, others simply sat on the ground shell-shocked.

The song Days of My Life by City of London played loudly from a black ute parked on the strip.

Family and friends were still at the site of the improptu wake after 7pm.

Nightclub St James, where Mr Sykes had reportedly been that night, is open until 7am on weekends and had hosted a Nightmare on James St themed party ahead of Halloween.

Nearby venue 2 Chambers was open until 3am.

A large group of mourners gather in Little Malop St to pay tribute to Jayme Sykes.

Prominent businessman Bill Votsaris, who owns multiple shops along Little Malop St, said he believed not all of the nightclubs in the area were acting responsibly.

“If you are going to run a nightclub, and there is room in the community for that, it comes with obligations and responsibilities,” Mr Votsaris said.

“I don’t have a problem with (nightclubs being open until 7am) … I’m sure the authorities will determine what has happened here.

“But if it’s proven to be related to drugs or alcohol, then whoever is responsible is responsible, we do have rules about the responsible service of alcohol.”

Mr Votsaris said St James having a licence to open until 7am was a “privilege.”

Piano Bar owner Andy Pobjoy said the mood on the popular hospitality strip took a turn for the worse after some venues, including his own, closed at 1am on weekends.

“Then a lot of people have been drinking at home and get in a cab and come in,” he said.

“It’s a completely different crowd.”

St James in James St.

Mr Pobjoy said he didn’t blame clubs for the unruly behaviour, but rather club-goers.

“If I had a 7am licence, I’d be trading until 7am, you’d be mad not to,” he said.

He described people coming out of clubs as “idiots”.

He called for an increased police presence and said the city centre should be a designated weapons search area.

Sources say drug dealers operate in the area and that drug friction has been a factor in previous incidents of violence.

Music played loudly from a black ute parked at the scene as loved ones gathered to pay tribute.

Superintendent Michael Reid said the events of Sunday were incredibly devastating.

“We want the community to know that we have increased both foot and vehicle patrols in the Geelong CBD and surrounding areas,” he said.

“These enhanced police patrols are in addition to our ongoing presence across the CBD.”

Tributes continue to pour in for Mr Sykes, who graduated from The Gordon last year and was affectionately known as a “gentle giant”.

Friend Tanya Tartaglia said many had been left heartbroken by the loss of “such a gorgeous, selfless and kind-hearted person”.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Colac man charged with murder over alleged stabbing of Corio’s Jayme “Chugs” Sykes