Pubgoers pay tribute to dead security guard
Tributes are flowing after a security guard died after an alleged assault at a hotel in Sydney’s south.
Emergency services attended the Royal Hotel on East Parade in Sutherland at about 2am on Sunday morning after receiving calls a security guard had been assaulted.
People have share their condolences on social media, lamenting the man’s tragic death and calling for reform in security guard regulations.
“So sad for all involved, a security guard left home to do his job and will never return, thoughts and prayers for the guard’s family, friends and workmates,” one man wrote.
“A life lost because he was doing his job, from a fellow security Guard, RIP.”
“Been saying this for years venues need to have a minimum of two guards no matter if it’s quiet night or anything else,” another man wrote.
A 31-year-old man has been charged over the security guard’s death.
Emergency services were called to the Royal Hotel on East Parade in Sutherland about 2am on Sunday, following reports a security guard had been assaulted.
Officers found the man, aged 30-years-old, unconscious outside the pub.
Police performed CPR before the man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, he died at the scene.
Superintendent Craig Middleton said the exact reasons for the alleged assault are still under investigation.
He said the man was not local to the area, and confirmed there were no weapons involved.
“The reasons for the altercation is still part of our investigation but I can confirm that the 31-year-old male had been asked to leave the premises previously,” he said.
Mr Middleton described the assault as “tragedy” for everyone involved.
“It’s terrible. The security guard is just going about his business and there is patrons in there having a good time … and the security guard has ended up losing his life,” he said.
“It’s just a tragedy all around. For the families involved, for the people at the hotel, for the emergency services. There is no winners in this situation.”
The altercation which occurred outside the hotel was seen by a number of witnesses and captured on CCTV.
Mr Middleton said the video would be “crucial to the investigation”
Police were told the security guard was allegedly punched in the head by a patron following the altercation.
It is understood the victim’s family, who live overseas, have been notified of his death.
The man was taken to Sutherland police station and has since been charged with assault occasioning death.
Mr Middleton said it is a charge where bail is not a presumption and police will oppose bail.
The hotel has been cordoned off and police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a social media post shared by the Royal Hotel, management shared their “heartfelt condolences” to the security guard’s family.
“The Royal Hotel Sutherland is deeply saddened by the tragic events that transpired in the early hours of this morning,” the statement read.
“The entire management and staff of the hotel extend our heartfelt condolences and stand in solidarity with the family during this time.”
