An Albion Park Rail labourer accused of coward punching a man in an “unprovoked attack” outside Fever Nightclub on Saturday morning has been released on conditional court bail despite police fears he could strike again.
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Brian Anthony John Foot, 32, had been ejected from the Wollongong club for drunk and violent behaviour just moments before he was seen to approach the victim from behind as he stood with friends at the entrance to the club.
Police will allege CCTV footage shows Foot punch the man in the face with his right first, causing the victim to stumble backwards then slump to the ground.
Members of the public came to the man’s aid, while security guards ushered Foot away from the area. He was last seen walking down Atchison Street.
Emergency services arrived a short time later and the victim was taken to Wollongong Hospital where it was revealed his jaw was broken in three places.
He has since been transferred to a Sydney hospital for specialist surgery.
Foot was arrested on Saturday night and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Police opposed Foot’s bail application in court on Sunday despite his lack of criminal record, claiming the strength of the case against him and the seriousness of the alleged assault warranted that he remain behind bars.
“The entire incident is captured on high quality CCTV footage,” police prosecutor Sergeant Shannon Ryan said.
“It appears to be an unprovoked attack with a high degree of violence - the type of assault in the community where alcohol was at play, it would seem.
“The concern of police is if he's on bail he will continue to pose a threat to the community.”
Defence lawyer Claire Carpenter said Foot worked full time at a window and door factory and would agree to any conditions imposed by the court if released on bail.
Registrar West granted Foot bail on account of his lack of prior offending.
However, he imposed strict conditions on his release, including that he live with his father at Unanderra, report to police three times a week, stay out of licensed premises and not consume any alcohol.
His family also agreed to put up a $2,000 cash surety to ensure he turns up to court.
The case was adjourned to November.
