Shai Major, the so-called ‘schoolies slumlord’, has failed for a second time to appear at Byron Bay Local Court to face charges of development without consent. He is believed to have left the country for a holiday in Israel, forcing the case to be held over again until 24 February.
In November, the house that Mr Major rents at 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, was raided by Byron Shire Council compliance officers who claimed that eight schoolies were being charged $800 per week each to sleep on mattresses on the floor of the garage.
The case first went before the court on 8 December, when Mr Major did not appear saying he had to travel to Brisbane. He was later sighted by council officers at the property.
Mr Major was subsequently interviewed by The Echo for an article. Last month we were served a subpoena by Byron Shire Council to tender our notes as evidence in court. The Echo has declined to do so.
