A prominent Sydney businessman has died after an alleged one-punch attack in a pub.
Paul Griffin, 55, was drinking with friends in the Ettamogah Pub in Kellyville Ridge in Sydney’s north-west on Tuesday night following the Melbourne Cup when he was allegedly assaulted shortly before 8pm.
He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but he succumbed to his injuries on Friday morning, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The morning after the alleged assault, police arrested Terekia Singapu, also known as Huo Kiri, at a property 12km south-west of the pub.
‘Following a search of a property in Plumpton, police allegedly located 36 cannabis plants and a hydroponic setup,’ a spokesperson for NSW Police said.
‘Officers also located and seized a number of items for forensic testing.’
Singapu, 43, was charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and cultivating a prohibited plant.
Police will allege the two men were not known to one another.
Paul Griffin, 55, was drinking with friends in the Ettamogah Pub in Kellyville Ridge on Tuesday night following the Melbourne Cup when he was allegedly assaulted shortly before 8pm (pictured: Mr Griffin with his daughter Dana)
He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but he succumbed to his injuries on Friday
Singapu did not apply for bail and will remain in custody on remand until his next court appearance.
Tributes poured in for Mr Griffin who was remembered as a successful businessman and a generous benefactor of various sports and local businesses.
Mr Griffin was the senior football coordinator for the Hills Bulls Rugby League Club, and a sponsor of the club.
His daughter, bodybuilder Dana Griffin, shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram
‘Not just our father but our best mate,’ she wrote.
‘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.’
Terekia Singapu (pictured), 43, was charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and cultivating a prohibited plant
2GB host Ray Hadley described Mr Griffin as ‘a colossal person supporting sport and local business’ in the Hills District.
Cruiserweight boxing world champion Jai Opetaia also shared a video on Instagram of an interview with Mr Griffin in which he described how he had followed and supported his career from since he was a child.
‘This week we lost someone very special to our team/family,’ Mr Opetaia wrote in the caption.
‘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 all.
‘Thank you for everything, so many great memories with you. We love you Griffo and will miss you.’
