Key Takeaways:
- Alexandar Rasic, 26, has been sentenced to nine years in jail for the one-punch killing of Michael Hayes, 39, outside a Hope Island bar in 2023.
- Rasic pleaded guilty to unlawful striking causing death and will have to serve 80% of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
- The attack was the result of a verbal argument between the two men, who had a pre-existing animosity due to a dispute over a car restoration project.
- Rasic has a short criminal history, including an assault charge against a police officer, and has significant mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and PTSD.
- The victim’s family has suffered "incalculable" emotional harm as a result of the attack, with Mr. Hayes’ father stating that "nothing can undo the hurt" caused by Rasic’s actions.
Introduction to the Case
The Gold Coast community was shocked by the senseless killing of Michael Hayes, 39, who died after being punched in the head by Alexandar Rasic, 26, outside a Hope Island bar in 2023. Rasic pleaded guilty to unlawful striking causing death and was sentenced to nine years in jail. The incident was the result of a verbal argument between the two men, who had a pre-existing animosity due to a dispute over a car restoration project. The court heard that Rasic had loaned money to Mr. Hayes to restore a car, but the work was not completed, leading to a long-standing feud between the two.
The Events Leading Up to the Attack
The events leading up to the attack were outlined in court, with witnesses describing how Mr. Hayes had been out drinking with friends when he spotted Rasic, who was known to him. The two men became involved in a verbal argument, which escalated into a physical altercation. Rasic’s lawyer, Jeffrey Hunter KC, accepted that his client had become involved in an altercation "about a matter that wasn’t of any enormous consequence." However, he stressed that it was not a "cowardly punch from behind," but rather a blow delivered while the two men were facing each other. Witnesses described seeing Rasic launch a "full-on hook" to Mr. Hayes, before he fell backwards and hit his head on the pavement.
The Impact on the Victim’s Family
The impact of the attack on Mr. Hayes’ family was devastating. His father, Ray Hayes, provided a victim impact statement that was read to the court on his behalf. He stated that when Rasic killed his son, it "changed everything" in his life, and "nothing can undo the hurt." Mr. Hayes said that the damage caused by Rasic had "traumatized his entire being" and that he hoped that once released, Rasic would raise his own children to "do better than what you have done." He also prayed that Rasic would show them that it’s never right to touch another human without consent and with aggression. The court heard that Rasic’s offending had brought "incalculable" emotional harm to Mr. Hayes’ loved ones, with Justice Peter Callaghan stating that "the event is the source of nothing less than agony for many."
The Defendant’s Background and Mental Health
The court also heard about Rasic’s background and mental health issues. Rasic was abandoned as a child by his mother, and his father was a member of a motorcycle group who died of a medical episode in front of him in 2014. Rasic has a short criminal history, which includes an assault charge against a police officer in 2017. His lawyer, Mr. Hunter, told the court that Rasic had "significant mental health issues" which may have contributed to his compulsive offending on the night, including a bipolar disorder and PTSD diagnosis. Despite these issues, Rasic’s actions were deemed to be inexcusable, and he was sentenced to nine years in jail.
The Sentence and Its Implications
Rasic’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crime and the impact it has had on the victim’s family. He will have to serve 80% of his sentence before being eligible to apply for parole. The sentence also serves as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar behavior. Justice Callaghan’s comments that Rasic’s offending had brought "incalculable" emotional harm to Mr. Hayes’ loved ones highlight the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and to respect the rights and safety of others. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of promoting a culture of respect and non-violence in our communities.