Hug shove 'was self defence'
A father of three who allegedly fatally shoved a man who tried to hug him outside a Perth nightclub has told a jury he only intended to get the stranger off him when he pushed him.
Patrick Sunill Lilii has been charged with unlawful assault causing the death of Zak Harvey, 32, in April last year.
Mr Lilii pushed Mr Harvey after he allegedly wrapped his arms around him in at attempt to hug him outside Amplifier nightclub on April 20.
Mr Harvey fell and hit his head on the footpath and was taken to hospital with a fatal head injury.
In the District Court today, Mr Lilii gave evidence about what had happened on the night of the assault.
He said he reacted with his natural instinct after Mr Harvey jumped on him and put his arms around his neck.
"I pushed him enough to get him off me, he was not a small bloke," he said.
"It happened so quickly. I just reacted."
After watching CCTV footage of the incident, Mr Lilii admitted Mr Harvey appeared to be trying to give him a harmless hug.
In his opening address, defence lawyer Nick Scerri argued his client acted reasonably and in self defence, but prosecutor James Mactaggart believes he used unnecessary force.
Earlier in the day, the jury was shown a recorded interview conducted by major crime squad officers with Mr Lilii after he was arrested.
Mr Lilii, who drank about half of a 700ml bottle of spirits before he went out, told police he became worried as soon as he heard a crack when Mr Harvey's head hit the ground.
He said he helped keep Mr Harvey in the recovery position and tried to clear his airways before the ambulance arrived.
Forensic pathologist Jodie White told the court Mr Harvey's head injuries included widespread bruising, tearing, extensive bleeding and swelling.
She said his body functions shut down and that is why the decision was made to turn his life support off.
Mr Harvey had a blood alcohol reading of 0.263 per cent when he was admitted to Royal Perth Hospital.
The jury is expected to begin its deliberations tomorrow.
