Sydney man Daniel Angelos has been cleared of intentionally causing Wollongong man Simon Cramp grievous bodily harm.
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But a Downing Centre District Court jury has found him guilty of a lesser charge, causing grievous bodily harm in circumstances in which he was reckless to causing actual bodily harm.
The charges stem from an unprovoked Sydney CBD attack that left Mr Cramp fighting for life in hospital last year.
There were gasps in the public gallery as the verdict was handed down, and Angelos’s supporters hugged.
His girlfriend, who has appeared in court during the trial, did not speak to the waiting media scrum.
Angelos, who has never denied throwing the drunken punch that put Mr Cramp in a coma, did not apply for bail and will remain behind bars until he is sentenced next month.
Barrister Brian Murray welcomed the verdict, describing his client as ‘‘very relieved’’.
‘‘Mr Angelos continues to show his remorse,’’ Mr Murray told reporters.
‘‘He’s always wanted to plead guilty and has pleaded guilty to this charge of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.’’