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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Woman who helped dispose of alleged murder weapon walks free

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Jade Brenda Laing pleaded guilty to helping her partner dispose of a murder weapon after a fatal stabbing on the Gold Coast.
  • She drove the accused murderer away from the scene and assisted in discarding the knife and clothes.
  • Laing received no conviction, with the victim's family expressing their profound grief over the loss of their son.

A woman who aided in the disposal of a weapon allegedly used in a fatal stabbing has walked free from court without a conviction. Jade Brenda Laing, 33, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact with malicious intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

unbearable

— Bruce McPaddenDylan McPadden's father describing the loss of his son.

The incident occurred in August 2023 when 26-year-old Dylan McPadden was fatally stabbed at Robina's RQ's Tavern. The alleged assailant, Tyler Rewi Malcolm Hailes, is set to face trial later this year. Laing, who was Mr. Hailes' partner at the time, admitted to driving him away from the scene and helping him throw the knife into a body of water. She also assisted in hiding the clothes he was wearing and later provided a false alibi to police.

Our beautiful boy was in the prime of his life

— Bruce McPaddenDylan McPadden's father reflecting on his son's life cut short.

During the court proceedings, Dylan McPadden's family delivered emotional victim impact statements. His father, Bruce McPadden, described his son as "vibrant," "amazing," and "loving," stating that his loss was "unbearable" and had left a significant void. He recounted how over 500 people attended Dylan's funeral, with more than 1,000 watching online globally, underscoring the widespread impact of his death. Dylan's mother, Carol McPadden, shared her last moments with her son hours before the stabbing, while his girlfriend, Amara Pato, spoke of their inseparable bond.

He gave the shirt off his back, he helped the underdog, supported your dreams, was fun loving, risk taking, sporty, athletic

— Bruce McPaddenBruce McPadden describing his son Dylan's character and personality.

Despite the gravity of the crime and the profound grief expressed by the victim's family, Laing was spared a conviction. The court's decision means she will not have a criminal record for her role in assisting the alleged murderer and concealing evidence.

The world will never be the same

— Bruce McPaddenBruce McPadden expressing the profound impact of his son's death.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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