A man is behind bars, facing escalated charges after a man he allegedly punched at the Ettamogah Hotel has died of his injuries.
Around 8pm on Tuesday night, following a Melbourne Cup event, emergency services were called to ALH’s premise on Merriville Rd at Kellyville Ridge to reports of an assault, with one patron said to have been punched by another man in an unprovoked attack.
According to police, 43-year-old carpenter Terekia Singapu allegedly assaulted local businessman Paul Griffin.
“On arrival, officers attached to Riverstone Police Area Command were told a man had allegedly punched a 55-year-old man, leaving the scene prior to police attending,” said the police statement.
The injured man was treated by paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital with “critical injuries” to his head, where he was placed on life support.
Strike Force Sestao was set up to investigate the incident.
Singapu, a father of two from Plumpton also known as Huo Kiri, was arrested at 8:30 the following morning at a home in Glendenning, a few kilometres from the Ettamogah. He was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Riverstone police subsequently executed a search warrant at a house linked to Singapu in western Sydney, where they reportedly found 36 cannabis plants and a hydroponic setup.
Officers “also located and seized a number of items for forensic testing” and Singapu was also charged with the offense of cultivating a prohibited plant.
Due to appear in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday, the defendant was not present and did not apply for bail or enter any pleas, however his lawyer requested an adjournment while CCTV footage of the event was secured.
Police presented that the men were not known to each other.
Griffin was owner of Griffin Air Conditioning, operating in the Hills District for 25 years. He was said to be a highly regarded member of the sporting community, the senior co-ordinator and a sponsor of Hills Bulls Rugby League Club.
He succumbed to his injuries and passed away in hospital. A charge of assault occasioning death has been bought against Singapu, who is due to appear at Blacktown Local Court 21 November.
IBF boxing champion Jai Opetaia was one of those aided over the years by Griffin, who financially supported him during his Olympic campaign.
“This week we lost someone very special to our team/family,” Opetaia said on Instagram.
“We love you Griffo and will miss you.”
