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WA father-of-two dies after being hit in head during fight

The lives of two families have been destroyed following a fight in East Fremantle two days before Christmas.

Father-of-two Charles McCarthy, 32, was struck in the head in the early hours of December 23 after a fight broke out with two fishermen.

Police will allege McCarthy, his wife and a friend were walking along Riverside Road when an argument began as he waited for a taxi.

Charles McCarthy died on December 23 after being hit on the head.
Charles McCarthy died on December 23 after being hit on the head.

The fisherman accused of attacking McCarthy, Andrew Doan, claims he was acting in self defence when he allegedly struck him in the head with an object.

The court has heard Charles McCarthy charged at the accused immediately before he sustained an injury.

Doan's lawyer told the court his alleged actions are more consistent with self-defence or an accident.

Charles McCarthy was waiting for a taxi with his wife and a friend when the fight broke out.
Charles McCarthy was waiting for a taxi with his wife and a friend when the fight broke out.

It is understood McCarthy was kept alive in Royal Perth's intensive care unit long enough for his family to fly in from Ireland to see him for the last time.

The accused man from Joondana, a full-time design consultant, has a young daughter and a fiance.

He remains behind bars and is likely to have his charges upgraded to manslaughter or murder.

The accused Andrew Doan remains behind bars.
The accused Andrew Doan remains behind bars.

According to the Irish Times McCarthy moved to Australia in the early 2000s, before meeting his wife Nicole. The pair had two children together; Ciara, five, and Niall, two.

Aghada Parish priest Dennis Kelleher said the local community in Ireland had been devastated by the news of his death.

"It was Saturday morning here when the news broke that Charlie had been seriously injured and there was a real sense of shock and sadness, as they were not holding out any great hope for him,” he said.

"He’s in our thoughts and prayers today because it’s a terrible tragedy at any time, but over Christmas and so far from home only adds to the pain and grief for his poor family."