Just days after falling ill and being placed on life support, the high-profile judge presiding over the $1 million fraud case between Australian musician Guy Sebastian and his former manager Titus Day has passed away suddenly.
Judge Peter Zahara was taken to Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on Thursday after having suffered a stroke.
He was a very respected figure among legal circles, having ruled over numerous high-profile cases, including that of convicted child sex offender Robert Hughes who starred in the 80s sit-com Hey Dad.
A statement from Zahara’s family confirmed that he passed away peacefully last night.
“We have received many lovely messages and memories that demonstrate the type of person he was, he had a big heart and wanted to see everyone achieve more than what they ever thought possible.
In honor of our dad and his life, we encourage everyone to have a hot chocolate and share a dad joke in his honor. Those who knew him would know he loved a good (bad) joke!
We would ask that you please respect our privacy at this time and provide us the space to celebrate the life of a man who will create a void that will be difficult to fill.” a statement from the family said.
Zahara’s death will see the Sebastian – Day trial adjourned until next week once the case can be reallocated to another judge.
