Luke Sweetman: Heartbreaking update on one-punch attack victim allegedly bashed on a night out at a pub
The victim of an alleged single-punch attack outside a suburban pub has died two weeks after the incident. The charge against the alleged attacker is expected to be upgraded to murder.
Luke Sweetman, 35, was allegedly attacked at the Peninsula Hotel Motel in Taperoo, Adelaide’s north-west, just after midnight on August 10.
Mr. Sweetman was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Doctors spent two weeks trying to save his life. He died on Friday.
A 29-year-old man from nearby Exeter was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with causing serious injury.
On August 12, he appeared in Port Adelaide District Court and was remanded in custody after failing to apply for bail.
South Australian police announced on Monday that they are seeking to upgrade the charge to murder, with the charges set to be re-announced on Tuesday when the suspect appears in court.
The 29-year-old man is expected to appear via video link.
The father of one-punch victim Sam Davis and Neil Davis, founder of the Sammy D Foundation, said he was “heartbroken” to hear of Mr Sweetman’s death.
A pub patron (pictured Luke Sweetman) has died weeks after an alleged one-punch attack. His attacker is expected to face murder charges.
Luke Sweetman, 35, was allegedly attacked at the Peninsula Hotel Motel (pictured), in Adelaide’s north-west, just after midnight on August 10
“Our thoughts are with Luke’s family and friends as they struggle to understand this (allegedly) senseless act of violence and the fact that their lives have now been changed forever,” Davis said in a statement Monday.
Mr Davis established the foundation on behalf of his 17-year-old son, who died in May 2008 after a single-punch attack.
“While the impact of this tragedy is being felt throughout the community, our thoughts are also with those who witnessed the (alleged) attack, the emergency services personnel who responded to the scene and the wider community,” Mr Davis said.
‘These consequences will be felt for years to come.’
A former colleague of Mr Sweetman took to social media to pay tribute to the 35-year-old woman, who she remembered as a “sweetheart”.
“I can’t believe it, you were the sweetest and kindest man,” she wrote on Facebook.
‘(He) always had a kind word for me, was always helpful and motivating.’