Bailey Clifford pleads guilty to the manslaughter of Paul Grapsas

Bailey Clifford sensationally admitted to killing beloved father Paul Grapsas minutes before he was due to stand trial.

Bailey Clifford, then-19.

Members of the family of a slain Geelong dad have shared tearful embraces as the man who killed him accepted responsibility.

Bailey Clifford, 20, appeared in the Supreme Court at Geelong on Monday, to stand trial before Justice Rita Incerti charged with the murder of Paul Grapsas between September 14 and 15, 2023.

Mr Grapsas, a well-respected TAC employee, was found dead near his Western Beach Rd home on September 15, 2023.

The father-of-three had reportedly left his house to walk the dog late the night before.

Clifford was arrested in Ocean Grove five days later.

Paul Grapsas. .

In January 2024, Clifford pleaded not guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court before the matter was uplifted to the Supreme Court.

Just after 3pm on Monday, Clifford stood for his arraignment and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge after crown prosecutor Catherine Parkes announced the matter had resolved.

Ms Parkes, along with Joanne Poole, represented the prosecution, while barristers Moya O’Brien and Gabriel Chipkin represented Clifford.

The emotion was evident in the faces’ of Mr Grapsas family as they turned to watch Clifford plead guilty to manslaughter.

About a dozen members of Mr Grapsas family and supporters sat in the gallery for the arraignment.

Clifford, who wore a suit, appeared heavier and sported close-cropped hair, paused after the charge was read out, before saying in a small voice: “guilty.”

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of theft, also between September 14 and 15, 2023.

No details of the offending were read out during the short hearing on Monday, with a plea hearing set down for April 7.

An earlier date was suggested, however the court heard Ms Parkes would have to obtain formal victim impact statements from Mr Grapsas’ family.

The court heard a jury pool, who had been waiting at the courthouse for empanelment at the trial, could be released.

Before the hearing was adjourned, Justice Incerti extended her personal condolences to the Grapsas family.

Following the arraignment, members of the family shared hugs and embraces, while Clifford was taken back into custody.

Originally published as Bailey Clifford pleads guilty to the manslaughter of Paul Grapsas