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, and the pair became involved in a verbal argument. The court heard that there had previously been animosity between them, which related to the dispute over the car restoration work. Rasic’s lawyer, Jeffrey Hunter KC, accepted that his client became involved in an altercation "about a matter that wasn’t of any enormous consequence". However, the argument escalated, and Rasic punched Mr. Hayes outside Destino Wine and Cocktail bar on Hope Island, causing him to fall 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, with his father, Ray Hayes, providing a victim impact statement that was read to the court on his behalf. Mr. Hayes said that when Rasic killed his son, it "changed everything" in his life, and "nothing can undo the hurt". He also expressed his hope that Rasic would raise his own children to "do better than what you have done" and to teach 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".
Rasic’s Background and Mental Health
The court also heard about Rasic’s background and mental health issues, which may have contributed to his compulsive offending on the night. 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’s lawyer, Mr. Hunter, told the court that his client had "significant mental health issues", including a bipolar disorder and PTSD diagnosis. Rasic also has a short criminal history, including an assault charge against a police officer in 2017. Despite these factors, Justice Callaghan emphasized that Rasic’s actions were not justified and that he must take responsibility for his actions.
The Sentence and Its Implications
Rasic was sentenced to nine years in jail, with a non-parole period of 80% of his sentence. This means that he will have to serve at least 7.2 years in jail before being eligible to apply for parole. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and the harm caused to Mr. Hayes’ family and loved ones. The case highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions. It also 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.