Coward punch attacker apologises to his victim over brutal assault
The man behind a shocking coward punch attack at a Sydney pub has addressed his victim, offering words of apology for his brutal assault.
Haze Aupori enraged members of the public after he escaped a jail sentence that left bar manager Trent Marsden with shattered teeth.
The young father was instead handed a good behavior bond, leading many to believe the law had gone soft on violence.
The 26-year-old did his best to apologise to Mr Marsden through the 7 News camera, as his victim was not present.
"I'm sorry mate I could have dealt with it another way,” he said.
He said he unleashed after his brother was threatened.
"I most probably took it a bit too far... heat of the moment.”
The case has raised questions about inconsistent sentencing
Haze Aupori was let off on a good behaviour bond with a 12-month suspended sentence.
In contrast, a 24-year-old man was jailed for two-and-a-half years over a glassing attack in a pub near Wollongong.
The judge in that case, Paul Conlon, said the attacker was fortunate not to be facing a murder charge and that there was a need to denounce and deter violence.
Video of the attack was never played in court and Aupori's one year suspended sentence has caused outrage.
Former detective Tim Priest said recent sentencing had been far too inconsistent.
"There's just absolutely no continuity in sentencing for serious assaults, if they want to stop these one punch coward attacks it's got to be mandatory sentencing."
Aupori claims he's been punished adequately.
"I slip up once I head to those monkey bars,” he said.
An appeal in to the case is looking likely.
News break – March 25
