Coward punch outside Carnarvon pub puts man in critical condition

A man is fighting for his life after allegedly being punched in the head outside a WA hotel.

Aaron Bonacina, described as a “gentile giant”, was the victim of an unprovoked attack and is now in a critical condition in intensive care at the Royal Perth Hospital.

His wife Christina, who was with her husband at the time, and his two daughters are now by his side.

“It’s like a bad dream,” Mrs Bonacina said.

“Most of our family are over east and not coping well at all.”

“I’m just really angry at how this could happen. He’s a great father and a gentle giant,” she said.

“Everyone says he’s a lovely bloke.”

The incident took place outside the Carnarvon Hotel, with Carnarvon police charging 35-year-old Bryan Anthony McKenzie over the incident.

It is alleged McKenzie approached Bonacina and his friends in an aggressive manner as they walked along the fascine.

“It is further alleged the charged man struck the male victim to the head causing the victim to fall and hit his head on the road,” a WA Police spokeswoman said.

McKenzie was not required to enter a plea and was remanded into custody ahead of his next court date on 2 August.

The Carnarvon Hotel also came under heavy scrutiny, with police imposing 24-hour liquor restrictions in response to this alleged attack and other alcohol-related complaints.

The Bonacina family only recently settled in Carnarvon after travelling around Australia, with Mr Bonacina finding work as an electrician working on the Gnullingoo Mia residential care facility.

A GoFundMe account has been created to help with recovery expenses.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the Carnarvon police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Irit Jackson, 8th July 2021