FUNDS DRIVE FOR FISHERMAN LEFT IN COMA
THE victim of an alleged coward punch on the Glitter Strip is clinging to life, as friends rally around his loved ones to raise money for medical costs.
Liam McNeilly, from Narooma on the New South Wales south coast, had been on the Gold Coast competing in a fishing competition, when, on his last night here, he went out for a night on the town with his girlfriend.
Police will allege Mr McNeilly’s partner confronted Amerika Robert Uili, 19, after he body slammed a stranger about 1am on Thursday on Orchid Ave, knocking him unconscious.
It will be alleged Uili left the scene, only to return within minutes and, according to court documents, “… the defendant lunges at the victim McNeilly and strikes him with great force in a ‘coat hanger’ fashion with his right arm.”
Mr McNeilly was knocked unconscious and left in a pool of blood, after his head bounced off the concrete in the Hilton Hotel driveway.
He was rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition, where he remains.
The fishing community and friends who have been shaken by the incident have started a GoFundme page.
“After undergoing surgery, Liam is now in a coma fighting for his life in a Queensland hospital,” the GoFundMe reads.
“His partner Justine is now faced with financial uncertainty. Please help these guys out.”
Michael Walker from Tackle World Moruya, who worked with Mr McNeilly previously, has kept the community updated on his progress.
“It is very shocking.” “We are all wanting to help them out, he is known by a lot of people through his fishing.”
The fundraising page, which was launched on June 28, has raised a total of $12,289 in just three days.
Uili remains locked up after being denied bail, facing charges of grievous bodily harm and common assault.