What was supposed to be a ‘trip of a lifetime’ for 31 year old Antrim man, Patrick Lyttle turned out to be disastrous as he fights for his life in the Intensive Care Unit, St. Vincent’s hospital in Sydney.
Patrick flew to Sydney with his father to catch up with older brother Barry, 33 also from Co.Antrim.
On Saturday night, three days after Patrick’s arrival the brothers decided to go out on the town and disaster struck as the brothers night turned treturous.
At 3am, Saturday morning Barry allegedly threw a punch at brother Patrick head causing him to fall backwards before hitting the ground. CCTV footage show the brothers having a ‘minor’ argument before Patrick pushes his older brother, who then reacted by throwing a punch. Alcohol has been ruled out in terms of a ‘aggravating factor’ in the fight. Patrick is on life support after undergoing emergency surgery to release pressure on the brain.
Barry appeared at Parramatta Bail Court yesterday afternoon, and did not choose to apply for bail. He will reappear at Central Local Court on Monday.
Superintendent Michael Fitzgerald of Kings Cross police said the men’s father is in shock.
“This is a tragedy,” he said. “We have a father who is facing the reality of one son facing serious criminal charges, another son fighting for his life.”