VON Stanke brothers Jordan, 25 and Dominic, 21, delivered emotional apologies to the family of Bordertown man Rex Court in court yesterday, accepting full responsibility for their involvement in his death.
The pair appeared in the Adelaide District Court before Judge Geraldine Davison for sentencing submissions in relation to the manslaughter of the 32-year-old father of two.
In a courtroom filled with friends and family of both the victim and the accused, Jordan stood to read a personally written apology to the family of Mr Court.
“I am so sorry for the loss, which was as a result of my actions on the night,” Jordan said.
“If I could take back what I did, I would do so 100 times over.”
In his tearful apology, Jordan revealed how his actions had haunted him since the date of the offence.
“There is not a day that has gone by where I do not think about what has happened and the loss that I have caused,” Jordan said.
“It has greatly impacted on me – I have nightmares, sweats, anxiety and loss of sleep.”
Expressing his remorse, Jordan did not ask for the family’s forgiveness.
“At this time I do not ask for your forgiveness, I just wish you to know that I am extremely sorry for what has happened,” he said.
“My heart aches for you and I wish you did not have to go through this.”
Dominic echoed the sentiments of his brother, expressing deep remorse for his involvement in the death of Mr Court.
“No words will ever be able to make things better and I could never imagine the pain and heartache that you have been through,” Dominic said.
“I am sorry from the bottom of my heart.”
In closing, he vowed to become a “better person” in the future.
“I do not expect forgiveness, but I want you to know that I take full responsibility for my actions and plan on being a better person in the future.
“I hope one day you can find peace and happiness in your life.”
Before the statements were read to the court, Judge Davison said anyone affected by the offending could make what they wanted of the apologies.
“Ultimately it is a matter that I will take into account in sentence and I will deal with it as I see fit in sentencing,” Judge Davison said.
“That goes for both of the apologies today.”
