Gold Coast man jailed for nine years over fatal one-punch attack

A Gold Coast man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for the one-punch attack that led to the death of 39-year-old Michael Hayes in June 2023.

Alexandar Rasic, 26, pleaded guilty earlier this year to unlawful striking causing death after punching Mr Hayes outside a Hope Island bar. Mr Hayes fell, hit his head on the pavement and died in hospital days later.

During Wednesday's Supreme Court sentencing, the court heard the pair had a history of tension linked to an unfinished car restoration project that Mr Hayes had been funded to complete. Prosecutor submissions outlined that the two men exchanged words before the punch was thrown.

Rasic's lawyer, Jeffrey Hunter KC, said witnesses confirmed Mr Hayes - who had been drinking - approached Rasic first. He added the blow was not a "coward punch", but delivered face-to-face during the confrontation.

Witnesses described Rasic throwing a "full-on hook" before Mr Hayes collapsed backwards.

A victim impact statement from Mr Hayes' father, Ray Hayes, detailed the profound grief caused by his son's death, saying "nothing can undo the hurt" and urging Rasic to teach his own children to resolve conflict without violence.

The court was told Rasic had a limited criminal history, including a 2017 assault on a police officer, and had experienced significant personal trauma, including childhood abandonment and witnessing his father's death. His lawyer said he suffered from bipolar disorder and PTSD.

Justice Peter Callaghan said the attack had caused "incalculable" emotional harm to Mr Hayes' family and friends and described the fallout as "nothing less than agony for many".

Rasic must serve 80 per cent of his sentence before he can apply for parole.