An Albion Park Rail tradie has confessed to fracturing a man's skull after knocking him out with a single punch in an unprovoked, alcohol-fuelled attack inside the Towradgi Beach Hotel.
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Jarryd Joseph Ellul, a 22-year-old apprentice electrician with no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in Wollongong Local Court this week after prosecutors agreed to withdraw a more serious charge of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.
Court documents reveal the victim was hospitalised for almost a week as a result of the February 29 attack, which left him with a 6cm fracture to the base of his skull, two chipped teeth and soft tissue damage to his neck.
The victim recently told police he continues to suffer significant after-effects more than five months on, including constant ringing in his head and a loss of balance.
He said he struggles to walk straight, his right eye always feel tired and sore and he finds it hard to focus with that eye. He is also seeing a psychologist due to fears of going out in public and speaking to people.
The court heard Ellul and his friends had been at a golf day and arrived at the pub just before 3.30pm.
The group made their way into the venue and Ellul approached the main bar to order drinks.
The victim, who was at the pub with his family, approached the same bar and ordered a jug of coke and a water.
He made his way to the corner of the bar to use the EFTPOS machine.
Ellul was blocking the man's access to the machine, prompting him to ask Ellul "can you step aside so I can pay for my drinks?"
Ellul responded "no, Im speaking with my mates".
The victim replied "there's no issues, I just need to pay".
The pubs CCTV cameras show Ellul immediately punch the man in the face without warning or provocation.
The victim fell over and hit his head on the ground, knocking him out cold.
Bystanders went to his aid, as Ellul left the premises.
Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to hospital.
When police spoke to him in the ER waiting room, he was bleeding profusely from the head, was extremely dizzy and appeared "out of it".
Meanwhile, further police canvassed the area around the Towradgi Beach Hotel but Ellul was unable to be immediately located.
The court heard Ellul surrendered to Wollongong Police Station on March 9. He was arrested and charged but declined to be interviewed.
Meanwhile, police were highly critical of Elluls behaviour in fact sheets tendered to the court, noting the assault occurred in the afternoon, when multiple families and other patrons were present.
"The accused was influenced by alcohol whereas the victim was completely sober," arresting police said.
"The assault was unprovoked and the victim had no time to react.
"The victims head landed directly on the ground which was the main causing factor for his injuries."
Ellul will face court on August 25 for sentencing.
