Man arrested over alleged stabbing of Jayme “Chugs” Sykes

Homicide Squad detectives have arrested a man following the fatal stabbing of a much-loved young barber, as loved ones gathered to pay their respects at 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 arrested a Colac man following the fatal stabbing of a young barber in Geelong, amid calls for change after a string of violent incidents in the city’s night-life centre.

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 was set to be 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.”

Family and friends at the scene in Little Malop St.

Emotional scenes unfolded on Monday as family and friends gathered at the scene.

Visibly distraught family and friends were seen hugging and crying just before 2pm.

Days of My Life by City of London was playing loudly from a black ute parked on the strip.

It’s understood Mr Sykes had been at a nightclub prior to the incident.

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

Nearby R & B venue 2 Chambers is open until 5am.

Prominent property owner Bill Votsaris, who owns multiple shops along Little Malop St, said he believed not all of the nightclubs in the area were being responsible.

“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”.

“Who decided to settle an argument by stabbing someone and killing them?” he said.

“It’s terrible, it is awful.”

He called for increased police presence, and said it should be a designated weapons search area.

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

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 Man arrested over alleged stabbing of Jayme “Chugs” Sykes