Sydney man denies punching coma teenager Alexander McEwen
theguardian.com, Monday 20 January 2014
Corey Beard, 21, pleaded not guilty to charges over alleged incident outside a McDonald's in Penrith, Sydney
A Sydney man accused of punching a teenager who was placed in a coma this month has pleaded not guilty.Corey Beard, 21, faced Blacktown local court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to punching 19-year-old Alexander McEwen outside a McDonald’s restaurant at Penrith.
Police allege Beard approached McEwen and his brother, Lance McEwen-Henderson, 21, when they were standing on a wall outside the fast-food restaurant on 4 January.
Beard allegedly punched the brothers, knocking the younger man over the wall where he struck his head and lost consciousness.
The teenager was taken to Nepean hospital in a critical condition with a fractured skull and damage to his spine. He was placed in an induced coma from which he eventually awoke.
Beard is facing several charges, including steroid possession.
The court previously heard an argument appeared to have broken out after Beard and an unknown man approached women who were with the brothers.
The assault was captured on CCTV, with police alleging there was a strong prosecution case.
But Beard's lawyer said he was acting in self defence.
He pleaded not guilty to common assault, affray, steroid possession and recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.
He remains on bail and will face court again in March.
