No clarity for Sam’s family
A WEEK after the death of Sam Leschke his family are no closer to finding out what happened to their beloved son.
Speaking with the Bulletin yesterday, Sam’s mother Teena Leschke said they had not been told how their son died or if anyone would likely be charged with his death.
It’s understood police are still investigating the circumstances both leading to his death and the cause of death.
What is known is that Sam and his friends spent the night drinking at The Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, before becoming involved in a fight with a group of people in the park adjoining the pub.
His group has then reentered the pub, before leaving in the courtesy bus, heading to Mr Leschke’s house where they continued drinking for some time.
The next morning, Sam’s sister woke to find her older brother dead, being guarded by their loyal dogs on the back patio.
Mrs Leschke said they were told by police investigations were still ongoing.
“Police are continuing with their investigations, but no charges have been laid,” Mrs Leschke said.
“As a parent it’s frustrating, we just want answers, but I guess we have to let them do their job.
“It’s too raw right now. We are trying to deal with it as best we can as a family and through to next week, then we’ll take it from there.”
She said the family had spoken with Sam’s friends who were with him on the night of his death and they don’t blame them for what happened.
“We’ve spent time with the boys (who were with Sam the night he died) and they’re as distraught as what we are.
“We hold no blame to them, they were his mates.
“We are just trying to think of all the good times we had together.”
Following the death of Mr Leschke, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation are looking into the incident to see if The Wallaby Hotel followed safety guidelines.
“The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) is aware of this incident and is making enquires to determine if the licensee met their obligations under the Liquor Act, including those relating to the responsible service of alcohol,” a spokeswoman said.
“Under the Liquor Act, OLGR is required to preserve confidentiality and is unable to disclose information gathered in the course of administration of the Act, including the details of an ongoing investigation.”
A sign in front of the Rotary Park where the fight took place reads: “Safety cameras operate here to create a safer city.”
Although that is of little comfort for parents watching their children play in the park.
Wary parents, who didn’t want to be named, said the playground near the Wallaby Hotel is off limits after dark.
“It is concerning. We don’t come down here at night because of the pub … and I feel like we always need to keep an eye on things,” one mother said. “It’s sad because this is such a nice park.”
A number of business owners near the historic hotel said it had a reputation for being “a bit wild”.
Sam Leschke will be laid to rest next Thursday.