Brothers coach tells of ’head exploding’

FORMER Brothers rugby league A-grade coach Robert Swain says his head “basically exploded” the night be was allegedly punched in The Pier carpark, suffering a broken jaw.

The Cairns District Court yesterday heard that the alleged incident occurred on September 3, 2017, following the Brothers Rugby League A-Grade team playing a CDRL semi-final game.

Keith William Addo has been charged with one count of grievous bodily harm in relation to the alleged incident. He has pleaded not guilty.

A trial started yesterday, with a 12-person jury being sworn in. Crown prosecutor Eddie Coker told court the alleged offence occurred in the carpark at the Pier.

It is alleged Mr Swain left Brothers Leagues Club in a maxi-taxi with several players about 11pm.

Crown Prosecutor Eddie Cocker said it was then when Mr Swain got out of the taxi, Addo allegedly “without warning punched him … in the jaw”.

Taking the stand yesterday, Mr Swain said he recalled stepping out of the taxi and then “basically my head exploded”.

Mr Swain said he fell to the ground and did not see the person who punched him.

Mr Swain said he then got into an altercation with “the man with no shirt” (brother Wayne Addo).

“He tried to throw a few punches, I threw a few back,” he said. “Then the back of my head explodes again, twice.”

A-Grade Brothers player at the time, Ben Fitzpatrick, said he saw Keith Addo throw a “dog shot” at Mr Swain when he got out of the taxi.

The trial continues today.