Major development after popular surfer was found in his apartment

A man has been charged with murder after a popular surfer was found with head injuries in a unit before dying in hospital. 

Police were called to a unit on Pittwater Road in Manly, Sydney‘s Northern Beaches, where Guy Haymes, 59, was found with serious head injuries on February 27.

He was treated at the scene but died in hospital a fortnight later. 

Detectives immediately launched an investigation into the death. 

A 41-year-old man was arrested in Greenacre, western Sydney, on Saturday night.

He was charged with murder, two counts of taking or detaining a person with intent to obtain an advantage take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage and taking or detaining a person occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Sunday.

Mr Haymes was a popular surfer known between Sydney’s Northern Beaches and  Wollongong and had earned himself the nickname ‘Creature’.

He grew up learning to surf on the Northern Beaches alongside his family who are all popular in the local surfing scene.

He is considered part of a small group of locals to have kickstarted surfing at Avalon Beach which is now one of Sydney’s hotspots. 

Police suspect his alleged attacker was known to him.

His brother Mark Haymes said he had been left feeling empty and seeking answers.

‘Guy was fun-loving, sociable and got on with everyone,’ he told reporters.

‘Our whole family is shocked and in disbelief that he had his life cut short – and in such a brutal way. 

‘With my kids, he was always a really good uncle – they loved him.

‘If anyone out there has any information, please come forward as our whole family needs closure.’ 

On Thursday, Detective Superintendent Patrick Sharkey appealed for any information from members of the public.

‘We are reaching out for assistance from the community as we continue to investigate this for Guy’s family,’ he said.

‘My detectives will not stop…  Guy’s family have been left without answers and I need the community to help in providing those answers.’

Neighbours, friends and potential relatives of the person involved who might have heard anything about the incident are being urged to contact police.

Police are also appealing for any CCTV or dashcam footage of the Manly area from the evening of February 27. 

A paddle-out in Mr Haymes’ memory at North Avalon is being planned.