Illawarra Man’s Charge Upgraded to Assault Causing Death Following Fatal Assault Last Month

A 33-year-old Illawarra man’s charge has been upgraded to assault causing death following the death of a 59-year-old man from an alleged assault last month. On April 12, 2024, at approximately 10:50 PM, emergency services responded to reports of an assault at a hotel on Central Road in Unanderra, about 6km south-west of Wollongong. The victim was taken to Wollongong Hospital in critical condition, where he later died on May 1, 2024.

Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation, with Strike Force Tora set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Following inquiries, the 33-year-old man was arrested on April 16, 2024, and charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent and affray.

However, after the victim’s death, detectives attached to Lake Illawarra Police District attended a correctional centre in Nowra and charged the man with the additional offence of assault causing death. The accused will remain in custody until his next appearance in Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Police are appealing for anyone who was present at the hotel on the night of the incident to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information provided to Crime Stoppers is treated in strict confidence and the public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages. Investigations are ongoing as part of Strike Force Tora.

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