A Campbelltown tradie who hit an elderly man during a parking dispute at Bulli last year, leaving him fighting for life in hospital, has pleaded guilty to a charge of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm.
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Alasdair Papalii became involved in an argument with the 76-year-old victim on Hospital Road, near the Bulli Aged Care Centre construction site, about 7am on May 1 after Papalii moved a garbage bin so he and other workers could find a place to park.
The dispute became increasingly heated, prompting Papalii to hit the victim in the right side of his face with the back of his closed fist. The hit was described by a witness as a quick "cheek jab".
The victim fell slowly to the ground, landing in a garden bed, at which time he suffered a stroke.
Papalii's brother went to check on the victim before asking a neighbour to contact paramedics.
The victim was taken to Wollongong Hospital then transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
Meanwhile, police set up a crime scene on Hospital Road.
Papalii was arrested in Campbelltown the following day and made full admissions to his crime when interviewed by police, telling them he knew he should have "walked away" instead of hitting the victim.
A set of agreed facts tendered to Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday said the victim had suffered permanent physical disability from the assault, as well as "severe psychological effects" directly related to the attack.
Papalii remains on bail and will face court at a later date for sentencing.
