1-punch killer Hugh Garth falls asleep in court. Victim’s mother delivers passionate statement

The first man to be convicted under New South Wales’ one-punch laws has fallen asleep in court as his victim’s mother spoke of her pain at losing her only son.

Key points:

• Hugh Garth was charged with unlawful assault causing death after punching Raynor Manalad
• Manalad’s mother told the court of her son’s aspirations for mental health work
• Garth faces eight to 25 years in prison

Hugh Garth, who faces at least eight years behind bars, watched the proceedings in the NSW District Court via video link and drifted off several times during the hearing.

He was charged with unlawful assault causing death after punching Raynor Manalad outside a friend’s 21st birthday party at Rooty Hill in Sydney’s west in a booze-fuelled 2014 incident.

Mr Manalad died in Westmead Hospital the following day after sustaining extensive bleeding on the brain.

Source: One-punch killer Hugh Garth falls asleep in court while victim’s mother delivers passionate statement – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)