The victim of an alleged single-punch attack outside a suburban pub has died two weeks after the incident, with charges against the suspected attacker expected to be upgraded to murder.
Luke Sweetman, 35, was allegedly assaulted at the Peninsula Hotel Motel in Taperoo, northwest of Adelaide, shortly after midnight on August 10.
Mr Sweetman was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and doctors spent two weeks trying to save his life before he died on Friday.
A 29-year-old man from nearby Exeter was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with causing serious harm.
He appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on August 12 and was remanded in custody after making no application for bail.
South Australian police announced on Monday that they intended to upgrade the charge to murder when the accused appears in court again on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old is expected to appear via video link.
The father of punching victim Sam Davis and Sammy D Foundation founder Neil Davis said they were “heartbroken” to hear of Sweetman’s death.
A pub patron (pictured, Luke Sweetman) has died weeks after an alleged single-punch attack; his alleged attacker is expected to be charged with murder.
Luke Sweetman, 35, was allegedly assaulted at the Peninsula Hotel Motel (pictured) in Adelaide’s north-west shortly after midnight on August 10.
“Our thoughts are with Luke’s family and friends as they struggle to comprehend this (allegedly) senseless act of violence and the inevitability that their lives are now forever changed,” Davis said in a statement Monday.
Mr Davis set up the foundation in the name of his 17-year-old son who died after a punching attack in May 2008.
“While the impact of this tragedy reverberates through the community, our thoughts are also with those who witnessed the (alleged) assault, the emergency services personnel who responded, as well as the community at large,” Davis said.
“These impacts will be felt for years to come.”
A former co-worker of Mr Sweetman took to social media to pay tribute to the 35-year-old, whom she remembered as a “crush”.
“I’m having a hard time coming to terms with this, you were the most charming and kind man in the world,” she wrote on Facebook.
“He always had a kind word to say, always helpful and encouraging.”
(tags to translate)dailymail