Mr Christie was allegedly struck once from behind at 9pm on Victoria Street, the same spot where Thomas Kelly was fatally king-hit in 2012. Shaun McNeil, 25, from Pennant Hills, has been charged with causing Daniel Christie grievous bodily harm. Credit:Facebook Police documents tendered to the court state that Mr Christie had tried to intervene after he saw Mr McNeil punch two teenagers of "very slight build [and] limited stature". Jack Flynn was allegedly punched once and fell to the ground before getting up and being punched again by Mr McNeil. When his friend Tony Gill tried to come to his mate's aid, he was also allegedly punched.

The pair then tried to hide behind Mr Christie and his brother, Peter. Mr McNeil allegedly threatened the group, saying he was "an MMA fighter", and then "used a single closed fist to strike" Daniel Christie, causing him to immediately lose consciousness and strike his head on the pavement. Peter Christie was then allegedly punched once as well, causing his lip to bleed. Police prosecutor Lisa McEvoy told Parramatta Bail Court that Mr McNeil's alleged assaults were "completely unprovoked and completely unfair". "He starts [his night] in town at approximately 9pm. By the end of his night in town a man is on the floor with a fractured skull," she said.

"People were out, families were out. That young man who is now in hospital didn't even know Mr McNeil." Witnesses pointed out Mr McNeil to police, who arrested him at the scene. Mr McNeil, a labourer who lives with his partner and her two children, appeared in court in a blue forensic jumpsuit. He was earlier treated in hospital for superficial injuries. He claimed through his legal aid lawyer that the four men in Kings Cross had approached him offering to sell him drugs and he had subsequently become protective of his partner. He told police afterwards that he had had eight beers and one glass of wine since 3pm at various venues in the city.

"He was unable to explain his actions," police documents state. Sergeant McEvoy said Mr McNeil "doesn't live in a box" and would have seen media coverage about king hits and alcohol-related violence. Loading The court registrar agreed and said that "given the current climate" of media coverage and the "very strong" prosecution case, "it would be inappropriate of me to grant bail". Mr McNeil appeared to cry as he was denied bail. His matter will return to court next month.