A fatal alleged assault in Sydney’s west was racially charged, witnesses have claimed to 9News.
CCTV shows two men walking past each other outside of Ashfield Mall on September 29, before one allegedly punches the other in the head.
Witnesses told 9News the accused, Brian Dutton, 58, allegedly directed a racial slur towards a 76-year-old man, prompting him to turn around before the first punch was allegedly thrown.
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The alleged attack took place outside the Urban Artisans cafe, with owner John Lou saying he watched the incident unfold.
“The man straight away started to attack the old man and hit (him in the) head, his face and pushed him on the ground,” Lou said.
“In Ashfield, especially this area (it’s common), our (area’s) slogan is ‘racism not welcome’.
“For us (we) feel really unsafe, uncomfortable … it’s not acceptable.”
Members of the public can be seen rushing to the older man’s aid, while paramedics raced to the scene.
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The injured man was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital conscious, but his health took a turn within hours.
He died in hospital yesterday after his life support was switched off.
Dutton was charged with murder yesterday and is now behind bars until he makes an appearance in Burwood Local Court next week.
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