Lachlan Griffiths death: Billy Lee Bornstein pleads guilty to manslaughter of missing man in Coopers Plains, Queensland

Billy Lee Bornstein broke his silence in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Monday when he was sentenced for the manslaughter of 35-year-old Lachlan Griffiths in January 2022.

Mr Griffiths was last seen arriving at the business in Coopers Plains, south of Brisbane, on the morning of January 17 that year.

His remains were never found.

Bornstein was initially charged with Mr Griffiths’ murder, but previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Family and supporters of Mr Griffiths packed the gallery as Bornstein appeared in court, apologizing for his role in the 35-year-old’s death.

“I understand that it has been difficult for Mr. Griffiths’ family and it has been very difficult for me as well,” Bornstein read from the handwritten note.

“I have spent many sleepless nights wondering how Mr Griffiths’ family are doing.

“I never wanted to offend anyone. If I had known what was going to happen, I wouldn’t have contacted Lachlan.’

Some in the courtroom expressed disbelief when they heard Bornstein say he was sorry.

The court was told that Bornstein and two other men – David Lee Tan and Philip Grbavac – were involved in the death of Mr Griffiths at the Coopers Plains business in 2022.

Mr Griffiths was lured from his hotel in Brisbane to Coopers Plains by Bornstein with the prospect of drug dealing.

There, he was “cornered” in a business conference room, Crown prosecutor Chris Cook said.

“What happened in that room was a brutal and sustained attack to kill Lachlan Griffiths,” Mr Cook said, describing Grbavac as the “prime mover” who killed Mr Griffiths.

The court was told the attack was “retribution” for Mr Griffiths’ alleged contact with Grbavac’s daughter.

One of the last messages Mr Griffiths sent from his phone was: “Brother, I think I’ve been set up, don’t call me,” followed by his location.

Mr Griffiths’ body was never found, but pictures of him wrapped in plastic were found on Mr Tan’s phone.

Forensic investigators found blood covering the walls and a “significant” amount was found under the floorboards using luminol lighting.

“(It) was cleared by Grbavac and others,” Mr Cook said.

Bornstein was not involved in the violence inflicted on Mr Griffiths, but the court was told he was liable for manslaughter because he “participated in the common unlawful purpose” of causing Mr Griffiths grievous bodily harm and his death was a possible consequence.

Mr Cook said Bornstein played an integral role in allowing Grbavac to “get to” Mr Griffiths and was aware of the abuse he had been subjected to.

Bornstein made futile attempts to contact Mr Griffiths, effectively leaving a “false trail” to minimize suspicion of his murder, Mr Cook said.

In a stunning victim impact statement, Mr Griffiths’ mother said so many moments and memories had been changed by her son’s death.

“It changed me forever,” she said.

“There are so many wonderful memories of his childhood – his smile, his cheeky attitude to life, his loyalty and friendship, his warm, strong hugs.”

Mr Griffiths’ mother said she felt “agony” at not having her son’s body to bury.

“There is no closure for us,” she said.

“How on earth are you going to reach completion when you’re living in this hell?”

Attorney Michael Bonacia, who represents Bornstein, said his client could receive eight years in prison as an appropriate sentence.

He said Bornstein worked in construction, came from a supportive family and struggled with substance abuse while in custody pending sentencing.

Mr Bonasia said his client was also “skilled” in indigenous art and taught others in prison.

A psychologist opined that Bornstein had paranoid thinking and problems with alcohol and substance abuse, describing the offense as a “misplaced loyalty” to a friend.

Bornstein also had a history of violence against women and displayed antisocial personality traits, the court was told.

Superior Court Judge Frances Williams said she would sentence Bornstein at a later date.

Tan pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Griffiths earlier this month, while Grbavac died in prison earlier this year after he was allegedly attacked by a cellmate.

Another man, Francesco Sebastian Giorgi, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm and was jailed in July. He was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison with parole and nine months of probation.

Originally published as ‘I never meant to hurt anyone’: Murderer’s trial ‘apology’ to family of missing Lachlan Griffiths