A Victorian man, Aaron Bernath, 37, has been found guilty of murdering his defenceless father, George Bernath, 61, in their Maddingley home on January 11, 2024. During a pre-sentence hearing, Justice Andrew Tinney described Bernath’s claim of self-defence as “preposterous” and a “complete fabrication.” Bernath struck his father with a baseball bat at least three times, then waited 17 minutes to call for an ambulance while his father lay in a pool of blood.
In a call to emergency services, Bernath falsely stated that his father had fallen off the couch. When paramedics arrived, they discovered George suffering from severe head injuries, alongside a mop and bucket stained with his blood. He was taken to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne but succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Despite challenging the murder charge, Bernath’s narrative was thoroughly dismissed by the jury, as Justice Tinney noted there was no evidence of any prior dispute or tension between father and son. In court, Bernath’s lawyer, Daniel Sala, acknowledged the strained relationship but admitted that a concrete explanation for the act may never emerge. He argued for a lighter sentence, suggesting Bernath intended only to inflict serious injury, especially noting that George was still alive when help was eventually summoned.
However, Justice Tinney remarked that the delay in calling for assistance and attempts made by Bernath to clean the scene and hide the weapon would not lead to a reduction in the sentencing considerations.
Friends and family described George as a devoted father and a positive role model who loved his son. The hearing is set to continue, highlighting the complexities of the case and the impact on those affected by the tragedy.