No warning, no reason behind driver’s stabbing death

[Pelican Press 0]

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No warning, no reason behind driver’s stabbing ******

A man with “propensity for *********” who stabbed a former parliamentary driver to ****** without warning was on bail for an earlier wounding allegation.

Michael John Hawkes, 70, lived with his wife Judith in Reedy Marsh, a rural area with a population of fewer than 200 people in northwest Tasmania.

On the night of January 12, 2021 their door was kicked down by Robert Harold Gerard who was armed with a club and large ******.

Gerard, his partner and others were driving to a neighbouring property when he stopped and pulled in to the Hawkes’ home.

Mr Hawkes, who tried to protect Mrs Hawkes, was hit twice by Gerard with the club and knocked unconscious.

Gerard chased Mrs Hawkes, who escaped with a head injury, from the property before returning to “finish the job” on Mr Hawkes.

In findings published on Thursday, coroner Simon Cooper said the ******* occurred without warning and for no apparent reason.

Gerard was arrested by police the next day and charged with ******* after hiding in the bush in camouflage pants and body armour.

He took his own life in Risdon Prison in May 2022 while awaiting trial.

Mr Cooper said Gerard appeared to have had delusional thoughts his son had been kidnapped by the Hawkes and was being tortured.

The Hawkes had previously owned the neighbouring property which they rented to a friend of Gerard.

In 2021, Gerard saw his son for the last time at the property after the Hawkes called police when he allegedly assaulted his friend.

Mr Cooper noted Gerard had a lengthy history of mental health issues as well as ****** of alcohol and illicit drugs and a propensity for *********.

He was on bail in relation to an allegation of wounding.

A magistrate had initially refused bail in relation to the charge, but on March 10, 2020 it was granted by a Supreme Court judge.

Former state Greens leader Peg Putt was among political figures who paid tribute to Mr Hawkes.

“He was a top bloke and such a safe pair of hands. He also showed me his bush property with pride,” she told the ABC in 2021.

A separate inquest into Gerard’s ******, which delivered findings in April, called for an urgent review of mental health services provided in prisons.

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