Accused pleads self -defence against hug
A 135kg man used unnecessary force when he shoved another man who was trying to hug him outside a Murray Street nightclub, a court has been told.
Patrick Sunill Lilii is on trial in the District Court charged with unlawfully assaulting another who died as a direct or indirect result of the assault.
He is accused of shoving Zak Harvey outside Amplifier in April last year, causing the 32-year-old to fall and hit his head on a footpath.
Mr Harvey received severe head injuries and died after he was taken to Royal Perth Hospital.
In his opening address, prosecutor James Mactaggart said there was no excuse for Mr Lilii propelling Mr Harvey on to the pavement.
He told the jury Mr Lilii forcefully pushed the victim in a "completely unnecessary" manner.
The incident was captured on a number of CCTV cameras.
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Accused: Patrick Sunill Lilii
Defence lawyer Nick Scerri said Mr Lilii was standing on the street with friends when Mr Harvey took a short run up and wrapped his arms around his neck.
He said his client did not deny pushing Mr Harvey but was acting in self defence when he did it.
After Mr Harvey died, his family described him as a “nice bloke” who loved to travel and had friends around the world.
Mr Lilii has had to surrender his New Zealand passport as part of his bail conditions.
The trial continues.
