Dave Garratt was one of Australia’s most prominent criminal lawyers, who served in Iraq and East Timor before graduating from law school.
He represented Anthony Milford and Payne Haas, who were both stars in the National League of Australia. His body was found at his home on the Gold Coast on Thursday night.
He represented Kotoni Staggs when he was involved in a sex tape scandal in 2020. The former Australian Defence Force member was found by David Funch, who was his friend.
Mr Garratt was a partner at the Howden-Saggers law firm. He had made a name for himself after serving his country.
When he was 17, Mr Garratt joined the army. In 2019, he told the Gold Coast Bulletin that he struggled after he left the military.
He also recalled how, during his time in Iraq, he and his team were targeted by suicide bombers.
Throughout his career, Mr Garratt had represented former servicemen and women in various legal actions.
The tributes paid to him have praised his service to the country and the law.