One punch pub death splits jury
A retrial is likely after a Brisbane jury was discharged before a verdict could be rendered in the matter of Bradley Peter Cooper’s one punch attack causing the death of Darren Young outside a Sunshine Coast pub.
Cooper (not the actor) is accused of killing Young just days before Christmas 2020.
Young suffered head injuries after being punched and falling to the ground. He had previously been asked to leave a Maroochydore hotel for being too intoxicated. After twice being asked to leave, he got into a physical altercation with staff.
The Brisbane Supreme Court heard that it was then that Cooper took it on himself to encourage the "drunk pest" to leave.
The court heard Copper led him away from the pub after 1am and punched him before running from the scene.
Cooper claimed self-defence during the trial, claiming that Young wanted to fight and had punched him first.
The 33-year-old pleaded not guilty to unlawful striking causing death.
The jury deliberated for eight hours, but failed to come to a unanimous or majority verdict. It was discharged on Friday by Justice Lincoln Crowley.
Crown prosecutor David Nardone said a retrial is highly likely, with the matter to be review next week with Cooper on bail.
Jonathan Jackson, 13th June 2023
