Coronial inquest: Jarrod Robert Davies was assaulted and bought 23 drinks before he died

A Victorian man whose body was found in the River Derwent in 2020 was “savagely assaulted” and had purchased 23 drinks before he died. THE INQUEST BEGINS >>

Jarrod Davies, 27, who was found dead in the River Derwent at Hobart, pictured with his niece. Picture: SUPPLIED

A 27-year-old Victorian man whose body was found in the River Derwent was “savagely assaulted” at a Hobart nightclub before he was removed by security with no first aid provided to him, a coroner has heard.

On Monday, the joint coronial inquest began into the deaths of South Gippsland diving instructor Jarrod Robert Davies and Melbourne cardiothoracic trainee Robert Bo Xu, after they died in unrelated accidents on Hobart’s waterfront within a three-month period.

Heart surgeon Dr Rob Xu, (Robert Xu) who died at Victoria Dock in Hobart on November 7, 2019.

The inquest began with Coroner Robert Webster hearing the information relating to the circumstances around Mr Davies’ death in February 2020.

Counsel assisting the coroner Ken Read said CCTV obtained from Hobart’s Observatory Bar from the night of Mr Davies’ death showed him consuming alcohol for several hours.

It also showed he’d been served six different times by five different bartenders.

Licensee of Observatory Bar (O-Bar) Ian Vaughan was asked what procedures staff were supposed to take when dealing with intoxicated patrons.

Mr Vaughan said depending on the situation, staff were expected to offer water, assess the situation, get a second opinion or have security remove them.

Mr Vaughan noted there was also a first aid room on site.

Lawyer representing Mr Davies’ family, Brian Hilliard, said there was evidence Mr Davies had purchased nine vodka Red Bulls in one hour at a waterfront venue before arriving at O-Bar and then after arriving, purchased 14 spirit-based drinks.

Jarrod Davies, 27, who was found dead in the River Derwent at Hobart. Picture: SUPPLIED

“Does that sound like responsible service of alcohol … it’s too much isn’t it?” Mr Hilliard asked Mr Vaughan.

“From what I understand, those drinks were shared with other people,” Mr Vaughan replied.

“How many drinks did he consume?” Mr Hilliard asked.

“I don’t know the exact number, as he shared,” Mr Vaughan said.

“I put it to you it was in excess of 10,” Mr Hilliard said, to which Mr Vaughan nodded.

Mr Vaughan’s lawyer Phillip Jackson interjected.

“We don’t know whether any of those [five bartenders] had any knowledge of what else he’d been served,” Mr Jackson said.

“Ultimately, he consumed too much alcohol on the premises?” Mr Hilliard asked Mr Vaughan.

“I wouldn’t be comfortable for an individual having 20 drinks … if that was the case,” Mr Vaughan said.

Ian Vaughan is the licensee of Observatory Bar. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

It was also revealed Mr Hilliard was “savagely assaulted” when he was headbutted and struck on the side of the head with a fist.

The coroner heard Mr Davies fell to the floor but was back on his feet within five seconds.

But instead of being taken to the first aid room, Mr Davies was asked to leave the premises, before being forcibly removed when he tried to go in the opposite direction.

“Did he appear to be injured?” Mr Hilliard asked.

Mr Vaughan said staff were unaware Mr Davies had been involved in an altercation.

“If they had known, it would have been handled completely differently … he would have gone straight to the first aid room.”

It was also noted Mr Davies spoke on the phone to his father after leaving O-Bar.

Phone records showed the call began at 1.14am and went for 220 seconds, and it was noted the end of the call coincided with the time a person was captured on CCTV going into the water.

The inquest continues on Tuesday.