Daughters beg ‘monster’ killer for answers
The devastated daughters of a man missing for more than five years have begged for his killer to finally provide answers during an emotional court hearing.
Dalibor ‘Dale’ Pantic, 38, was last seen on a farm in Perry Bridge on the night of April 10, 2019.
His disappearance prompted a complex police investigation which led to a friend, Sam Gordon Blake, charged with causing his death two years later.
On Wednesday, Blake, 35, returned before the Victorian Supreme Court for a presentence hearing after pleading guilty to a charge of manslaughter.
The court was told Mr Pantic was spontaneously killed after an argument escalated and Blake struck him over the head with a block of wood.
Prosecutor Jordan Johnston said it was the prosecution case Blake had lured him to the Perry Bridge farm intending to take his car to repay a debt owed to another man.
“I’ll forget about this little f--k up of yours if you drive me to Melbourne and back,” Blake had texted Mr Pantic earlier the same day.
In victim impact statements, members of Mr Pantic’s family described Blake as “evil” and a “monster”, questioning how someone they had let into their lives could kill a friend.
Blake sat in the dock with his eyes closed as Dalibor’s father, Jovan Pantic, described the torture of losing his son five years ago.
“Since your disappearance our lives have stopped. I do not know how to go on without you, my son,” he said.
“You let this man into our lives, into our homes, and look at what he did … I can’t believe you trusted him.
“Sam I need to know where my son is, please tell me where he is.”
Two of Mr Pantic’s daughters took the stand to say their lives had been ripped apart by the loss of their loving father and best friend.
His sister, Bozina, urged Blake to help them lay his remains to rest, saying she cannot find peace until she knows where he is.
“Sam please take pity on me, my parents and Dalibor’s children and please let us know where he is,” she said.
The court was told Blake had written a letter of remorse and a letter outlining what he claims happened on April 10.
He described his actions as “selfish, disgusting and shameful” and said he had dumped Mr Pantic’s body in the Avon River, near Sale.
Blake’s barrister, Glenn Casement, urged Justice John Champion to find that his version of events were “genuine” and reflected real remorse and an effort to co-operate.
“He doesn’t purport to fathom the breadth of the heartbreak experienced by the deceased’s family,” he said.
“He is burdened by deep regret and sorrow, regret for his actions and their consequences.”
The court was told there had been nine flooding events in the Avon River, and despite “very significant” efforts by police over the years no trace of Mr Pantic has been found.
Mr Johnston argued Blake’s letter was self-serving and made with the knowledge there was little chance of ever recovering remains.
Justice Champion adjourned sentencing to a later date.
