Monday 9 May 2022 01:14 AM Peter Zahra: District Court judge running Guy Sebastian case dies of suspected ... trends now
The highly-regarded judge presiding over the embezzlement trial of Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian's long-time manager has died after suffering a suspected stroke.
The case against Titus Day commenced before Judge Peter Zahra and a jury in the Downing Centre District Court last Tuesday.
Judge Zahra was rushed from his inner-west Sydney home to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital at Camperdown on Thursday morning and put on life support.
His family and friends maintained a vigil at the hospital over the weekend. On Monday morning Judge James Bennett told the jury his colleague had died on Sunday.
'We won't be getting much work done today,' Judge Bennett said. 'If you don't already know Judge Zahra passed away yesterday.'
Guy Sebastian (pictured with wife Jules) gave evidence against his former manager Titus last week. Day is accused of embezzling almost $1million from his star client over seven years
Jurors could be heard reacting with shock. 'He was a very good friend I might say and everyone in here is feeling the loss as you might imagine,' Judge Bennett said.
One female juror told Judge Zahra: 'Condolences to you and everyone, all the family and friends'.
Sebastian, who had begun giving evidence against his former agent, tested positive to Covid-19
