Irishman's brother charged after one-punch attack left him in critical condition in Australia

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January 02 2015 11:30 PM

An Irishman has been charged in connection to allegedly punching his brother, which has left him in critical condition in Sydney.

Barry Lyttle (33) appeared in court early this morning at Parramatta Bail Court, where he did not request bail.

His brother Patrick Lyttle (32) is said to be in a critical condition at King's Cross Hospital after he was allegedly punched outside Bayswater Road in Kings Cross at approximately 3am on Saturday morning.

Patrick fell on the footpath and sustained a serious head injury after a single punch, police report.

The injured man sustained serious head injuries and was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics, before being taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where’s he now undergoing surgery.

Mr Lyttle appeared at the court via video link and when the victim was named as his brother, he began to sob and wiped tears away from his face, according to Australian reports.

The men, believed to be from Belfast and living in Antrim, were on holiday with their father, according to new South Wales police.

Kings Cross Police Superintendent Michael Fitzgerald said this was a family tragedy and that the man's father has set up a vigil by his son's hospital bed.

“The pain in his eyes, you could not describe,” Mr Fitzgerald said at a press conference. “This is a tragedy. We have a father who is facing the reality of one son facing serious criminal charges, another son fighting for his life.”

A court heard that alcohol "seems to have played a a part" in the incident, to which there are said to be a number of witnesses and CCTV footage.

Mr Fitzgerald said there won't be an update on his medical condition for up to 48 hours.

"From what I'm told, we won't know anything for at least 24 to 48 hours. They'll release pressure on the brain."

A crime scene has been established and police are continuing to investigate the assault. They are also appealing to the public for information on the incident.