A Sydney father has died in hospital after an alleged one-punch attack during Melbourne Cup celebrations in the city’s northwest.
Paul Griffin, 55, suffered catastrophic head injuries when he was allegedly punched by another man in an unprovoked attack at The Ettamogah in Kellyville Ridge about 8pm on Tuesday.
The alleged attacker then fled the scene before police arrived.
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Griffin was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital.
Griffin has since died in hospital, with family members sharing heartfelt tributes to the “incredible” father.
“Not just our father but our best mate,” Paul’s daughter Dana Griffin wrote on social media on Friday.
“Dad, you have given our family the most incredible life.
“We love you beyond words and you will be sorely missed. Time to go save some other lives now.”
Boxing champion Jai Opetaia also shared a tribute to Griffin, noting how he financially supported the IBF and Ring magazine champion during his Olympic campaign.
“This week we lost someone very special to our team/family,” Opetaia said on Instagram.
“Griffo has been a real day one and has been on this journey since I was a young boy and has always had my back through it … we love you Griffo and will miss you.”
Meanwhile, father of two Terekia Singapu, 43, has been arrested over the incident.
Police will allege in court the two men weren’t known to each other, and instead, had both been drinking at the local pub when the incident occurred.
Griffin ran his air conditioning business in Seven Hills for 25 years and was the senior football co-ordinator and a sponsor of Hills Bulls Rugby League Club.
Strike Force Sestao was set up to investigate.
Singapu, was arrested on Wednesday morning at a home in Glendenning, about 10km away from the pub.
“Following a search of a property in Plumpton, police allegedly located 36 cannabis plants and a hydroponic setup. Officers also located and seized a number of items for forensic testing,” police said.
Singapu was taken to Riverstone Police Station and charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and cultivating a prohibited plant.
An additional charge against Singapu was laid after Griffin died in hospital.
He has now been charged with assault occasioning death.
He is next due to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Thursday 21 November.