Nick Cave’s son Jethro Lazenby died at ‘filthy’ Coburg Motor Inn after being released from jail

Jethro Lazenby’s mother has blamed the justice system for the death of her son, as the seedy, “filthy” motel where he spent his final moments is revealed.

The former partner of musician Nick Cave blames the justice system for the death of their son, actor Jethro Lazenby, in a seedy motel room at Coburg North just a day after his release from jail.

Beau Lazenby, the mother of actor Jethro Lazenby, was overheard remonstrating with the police officers who were sent to break the news to her that her son had died.

Bystanders said Ms Lazenby, a former model, appeared shattered that her son, who had schizophrenia and a history of violence and drug abuse, was released with little oversight to stay at a suburban motel.

On Tuesday she was being comforted by friends and neighbours at her home in Collingwood. Visibly distraught, Ms Lazenby said, “Why did they do this do me?” before being ushered inside.

The Coburg Motor Inn where Jethro Lazenby died. Picture: Josie Hayden

A bedroom at the motor inn.

The motel’s neglected pool.

Much of the property is dilapidated.

The 31-year-old actor, who also went by Jethro Cave, was released from Melbourne Remand Centre on Thursday after he agreed to undergo court-ordered drug rehabilitation.

He was also banned from contacting his mother, who had him arrested when he kneed her in the face in a violent attack in March.

A Victoria Police spokesman said Lazenby died on Friday afternoon.

His death is not being treated as suspicious, and police have since handed the matter over to the Victorian Coroner.

“Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a man in Coburg North on 6 May,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.

Pictures inside the Coburg Motor Inn show the grim surroundings of Lazenby’s final moments.

Images taken by past guests show smashed doors, graffitied walls and grime-covered appliances.

The facilities are run down.

Much of this bathroom is covered in grime.

The motel has been described by guests as ‘disgusting’.

Nick Cave’s son Jethro Lazenby has died aged 31.

Jethro Lazenby modelling as a 15-year-old.

A homeless man who stayed at the motel last week gave it a one-star review, warning others that it is “disgusting” and to “stay away”.

“I stayed one night and left. It was filthy, unhygienic, not safe at all, full of junkies and alcoholics. The streets are (a) better place to sleep,” read the review.

Friends paid tribute online to Mr Lazenby as news of his death made headlines around the world.

“Can’t believe it, hope that you find peace. Remembering you as the sweet messed-up kid that you were,” one friend said.

Cave said in a brief statement “With much sadness, I can confirm that my son, Jethro, has passed away”.

He told a reporter in 2012 he had a “great relationship” with Lazenby.

Lazenby was the second of Cave’s four sons to die young, after his son Arthur, 15, fell from a cliff near Brighton, England, in 2015.