A 58-year-old man allegedly choked unconscious during a fight with his step-son at the weekend remains fighting for life in hospital, a court has heard.
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John Rydquist was still in a critical condition in Wollongong Hospital’s intensive care unit on Monday afternoon when his step-son, Mitch de Bruyn, faced court charged with assault and intentional choking offences.
Police claim the shocking act of domestic violence, which allegedly caused Mr Rydquist to go into cardiac arrest, was sparked by an argument over a set of car keys.
In Wollongong Local Court on Monday, police prosecutor Sergeant Ben Bragger said Mr Rydquist was still on life support and his prognosis was poor.
“His condition is considered to be not good at this time,” he said, adding that additional charges could be laid against de Bruyn in the future.
Sergeant Bragger opposed de Bruyn’s bail application, noting his criminal record included previous convictions for domestic violence.
He suggested de Bruyn faced the likelihood of a custodial sentence if convicted.
Court documents reveal de Bruyn and his mother got into an argument around 9pm on Sunday when he took her car keys against her wishes.
The pair pushed each other and de Bruyn allegedly threw a box at his mother, hitting her in the stomach and winding her.
It is alleged Mr Rydquist attempted to stop the fight, prompting de Bruyn to grab him in a headlock.
Police allege de Bruyn didn’t let go of his step-father “until he felt the victim’s body go limp”, at which time an unconscious Mr Rydquist slumped to the ground.
Emergency services were called to the scene while witnesses performed CPR on Mr Rydquist.
Police arrested de Bruyn. It is alleged he admitted choking the victim during an interview with police.
In court on Monday, defence lawyer Danny Lagopodis said his client was devastated at his step-father’s current condition and had had no intention of causing him such an injury.
He said de Bruyn could live with his girlfriend in Berkeley and would agree to abide by any bail conditions imposed by the court.
However, Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused bail on account of de Bruyn’s history of violence.
The case returns to court on November 14.
