One of Australia’s most high-profile lawyers who represented troubled NRL stars after his career as a soldier is found dead at home just days before Christmas
Dave Garratt served in East Timor and Iraq as an ADF soldier before entering law
He became a respected criminal defense attorney at the law firm of Howden Saggers
Mr Garratt has represented NRL stars including Payne Haas and Anthony Milford
He was found dead by a friend at his home on the Gold Coast on Thursday evening
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One of Australia’s most high-profile criminal lawyers, who toured Iraq and East Timor as a soldier before completing his law degree, has died suddenly.
Dave Garratt, who represented NRL stars Payne Haas and Anthony Milford during their high profile court cases, was found dead in this Gold Coast home on Thursday night.
It is clear that the ADF veteran was founded by his friend, attorney David Funch, the Courier-Mail reported.
Mr. Garratt, a partner at the law firm of Howden Saggers, had made a name for himself as a highly skilled and effective criminal defense attorney after his military career.
Dave Garratt, who represented NRL stars Payne Haas and Anthony Milford during their high profile court cases, was found dead in this Gold Coast home on Thursday night
Mr Garratt represented NRL stars Payne Haas (pictured) and Anthony Milford during their high profile court cases
“Howden Saggers Attorneys today mourns the tragic and unexpected loss of its director, Dave Garratt,” his office posted online Friday.
‘Dave’s life was one of service, both to Australia and to justice. This is how we will remember him forever. Dave passed away unexpectedly at home last night.
“Our valued customers will remain our priority and we will work with those directly affected to make alternative arrangements in the coming days.”
It is clear that Mr. Garratt leaves a young son.
Mr Garratt had entered the army at the age of 17 after leaving school in the ninth year.
In an interview with the Gold Coast Bulletin in 2019, he recalled how he had struggled to adjust when he left the armed forces and was unable to find a job for two years.
“I applied for so many jobs. Coming out of the military, I thought I was a gift from God to any employer because of the skills I had from the military,” he said.
“It just wasn’t… I couldn’t get a job washing cars.
“You are trained as a warrior and when you get out, you become a victim.”
It is clear that the ADF veteran’s body was set up in his home by his friend, lawyer David Funch
Mr Garratt’s interest in the law was first sparked by a shooting incident involving fellow Australian soldiers while he served in Iraq (pictured, Mr Garratt during his time in the ADF)
Mr Garratt recalled how, while serving in Baghdad in 2005, he and his team were targeted by suicide bombers at the Australian embassy.
In one particular incident, Mr Garratt, as team leader, said he made the decision to kill a driver who approached the embassy with fuel drums in his car.
He also said his interest in the law was first prompted by an incident in which Australian soldiers were “hung out to dry” after shooting and seriously wounding Iraqi residents on a night patrol.
The soldiers were later cleared of wrongdoing by the army’s hierarchy.
“The simple fact that these guys who were friends of mine were found guilty.
“There was no presumption of innocence and they were banished.
“They still feel they have been treated harshly without due process.
“I think that’s what made my ears go up at first and maybe I was interested in something right.”
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