- For other people with the same name, see Peter Hayes (disambiguation)
Peter Hayes, QC (c.1953 – 21 May, 2007) was a prominent barrister in Melbourne, Australia. Hayes was admitted to the bar on 1 March, 1973 and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1988. He was a specialist in banking, finance and corporations law. [1]
Hayes served as a director of the Melbourne Football Club from 2000 to 2003.[2]
Hayes died in the Royal Adelaide Hospital on 21 May, 2007, 11 days after being found naked and unconscious in an Adelaide hotel room. He was discovered by former Gypsy Joker member Tony Sobey, whom Hayes was defending against investment fraud charges. Two women visited Hayes in his hotel room on the night of his death, and were tracked down via hotel security footage.[3] One was a 21-year old woman with prior prostitution charges, and the other - a 28 year old woman - was subsequently charged with administering a drug of dependence to Hayes.[4][5] His death his currently under coronial investigation.
Professional life
Hayes was involved in a number of high profile cases, including the Steve Vizard matter involving insider trading, where he appeared for Vizard's accountant Roy Hilliard.[6] Other clients included suspects in the Dianne Brimble case and Perth socialite Rose Porteous.[7]
In 2005 Hayes was subject to a professional complaint made by a colleague to the Ethics Committee of the Victorian Bar.[8] The solicitor, who worked with Hayes, asked that Mr Hayes be tested for drug use accused him of being an "inveterate cocaine user". The complaint was dismissed as vexatious and lacking in credibility.[3]
Private Life
He was survived by his former wife Mary Stephen (daughter of Sir Ninian Stephen), a son and two daughters.[8]
References
- ^ Meldrum's List: Peter R. Hayes QC
- ^ Footballers to honour Hayes at MCG clash, 22 May 2007.
- ^ a b Herald Sun: Fears for Hayes visitor
- ^ The Age: Charges over QC's collapse
- ^ The Age: 'Prostitute' faces charges over QC's collapse in hotel
- ^ His master's voice invoked, as Hilliard pleads guilty, 27 July 2005
- ^ Probe into death of prominent Vic lawyer, 22 May 2007
- ^ a b [http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/qc-a-headline-act-right-to-the-end/2007/05/22/1179601410971.html The Age: QC a headline act right to the end