THE mother of deceased Bordertown man Rex Court has shared the moment her “life changed forever” when police arrived on her doorstep in the early hours of the morning after last year’s fatal street attack.
Jordan, 25 and Dominic, 21, Von Stanke appeared in the Adelaide District Court on Tuesday where prosecutor Mark Norman read victim impact statements from nine of Mr Court’s family members.
Mr Court’s mother Helen Fisher described the emotions she felt when she opened her door to police officers following the incident on Commercial Street on May 13 last year.
“They told me my son was being flown to Adelaide and it’s life-threatening,” Ms Fisher said.
“Devastation and pain immediately set in and my life changed forever – later that day, Rex was gone.”
Ms Fisher’s statement explained that life without her son was lived with a “gut-wrenching emptiness”.
“Great sadness often engulfs me, triggered by a simple thought or photograph,” Ms Fisher said.
Mr Court’s family lived out a nightmare on a day on which they were meant to be celebrating.
“Rex passed on Mother’s Day and his father’s birthday – these two happy occasions turned into very sad days,” she said.
“You two boys have taken away his chance to be the best father and to grow old with his children and family.
“You boys have a complete family unit, whereas us, we are minus one.”
The victim impact statement highlighted how Jordan and Dominic failed to take responsibility for their actions on the night of the attack.
“As honest people, we own up to our mistakes, not by hiding a car and burning clothes,” Ms Fisher’s statement read.
“Shame on you two, for what you have done to our family.”
Samantha Warner – Mr Court’s sister – had the harrowing responsibility of informing family member’s their beloved family member was going to die, the court heard.
“I had to tell them that if they wanted to say goodbye to Rex they would need to make their way to Adelaide as soon as possible,” her statement read.
She then flew to Adelaide to say her own goodbyes.
“When I arrived at the hospital I was ushered inside by Mum and Dad away from the media who were crowded outside the hospital trying to get information about Rex’s condition.”
“They told me Rex had just passed away.”
She also expressed that her life had now changed forever.
“I will never be able to call him for advice … I will never be able to see him grow old.
“My children will never know their uncle.”
Ms Warner’s statement revealed how the violent incident will always be associated with Mr Court.
“When people hear his name they remember a fatal bashing – not the loving and caring brother, father and son,” she said.
“The brutality of what you did chills me to the bone.”
The Von Stanke brothers had their home detention bail revoked in court this week to allow them to start serving an inevitable custodial sentence for the manslaughter of Mr Court.
The pair pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter earlier this year.
Jordan and Dominic were remanded in custody until February 4, when sentencing submissions will continue.
The time spent in custody now will be taken into account when the men are sentenced.
