Victorian man jailed over 'unprovoked' one-punch death of David Cassai
A Victorian man has been sentenced to more than nine years in jail over the one-punch death of a man at Rye on the Mornington Peninsula two years ago.
Dylan John Closter, 20, pleaded guilty to throwing the fatal punch that killed 22-year-old David Cassai on New Year's Eve in 2012.
Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth described the attack as "violent, frightening and completely unprovoked".
"You repeatedly chased after him, trying to punch him, even though he and his friends were trying to back away from you and defuse the situation," she said.
The court heard Closter struck Cassai on the side of the head, causing him to hit his head on the footpath and fracture his skull.
The apprentice landscape gardener suffered traumatic brain injuries and died later that day.
Justice Hollingworth sentenced Closter to nine years and three months in prison, with a minimum term of six years.
"What happened that night was entirely of your making," she said.
"Tragically your immature, alcohol-fuelled actions have damaged so many lives, including your own."
Five others were injured in the incident and Closter's sentence included 15 months in jail for affray.
Well over 100 of Cassai's family and friends were in court for the sentencing, many wearing T-shirts that read: "Stopone punch can kill".
David Cassai was celebrating a birthday when he was 'ambushed'
Outside court, Cassai's mother, Caterina Politi, said it had been a profoundly painful experience for the family.
"They just went out to celebrate a birthday and they just wanted to get home. They were ambushed and they had no chance," she said.
"It's been excruciating for all my family and friends. I thank you for all your support."
Ms Politi said she was disappointed with the sentence.
"I don't think we'll ever get justice," she said.
"It'll never be enough, but it doesn't send a message of deterrence and punishment for a man who took my son's life."
New laws take effect next week that mandate a minimum term of 10 years' jail for one-punch deaths.
Cassai's sister Luisa was hopeful her brother's legacy would lead to greater awareness of the consequences of violence.
"This isn't just for David. It's in his memory, but it's for everyone that's lost their lives from this," she said.
"I hope people start realising that it's not funny, it's not a game to ruin people's lives."
Caterina Politi made an emotional tribute to her son.
"He put everyone first, and this is what we can do for David. Hopefully this doesn't happen to anyone else," she said.
"We just need to keep working. Everybody's got a voice and can be heard."
