Sydney businessman Paul Griffin dies after alleged one-punch attack
Written by admin on November 8, 2024
Prominent Sydney businessman Paul Griffin has died after an alleged one-punch attack on Tuesday night.
The 55-year-old, who was a beloved member of the Hills District in the city’s west, was enjoying post-Melbourne Cup festivities at the Ettamogah Pub in Kellyville Ridge when he was allegedly assaulted by Terekia Singapu, also known as Huo Kai.
Police will allege the two men did not know each other.
Mr Griffin was taken to hospital in a critical condition but succumbed to his injuries on Friday morning.
Police arrested Mr Singapu, 43, on Wednesday morning at a property 12km southwest of the Ettamogah Pub.
“Following a search of a property in Plumpton, police allegedly located 36 cannabis plants and a hydroponic set up,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“Officers also located and seized a number of items for forensic testing.”
Mr Singapu was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm along with cultivating a prohibited plant. He did not apply for bail on Thursday morning, and will remain in custody on remand until his matter is dealt with later this month.
Mr Griffin’s loved ones, including his daughter, Dana, and 2GB host Ray Hadley have taken to social media to pay tribute to him.
“Not just our father but our best mate,” Ms Griffin wrote on Instagram.
“Dad, you have given our family the most incredible life. We love you beyond words and you will be sorely missed. Time to go save some other lives now.”
His niece, Alexandra Julie, described Mr Griffin as “a leader and the life of the party”.
“Only a few words to describe who my wonderful uncle Paul is,” she wrote.
“He had a smile that would light up a room and a laugh that was infectious to the point of tears. He was taken from the world too soon, but will never be forgotten and will live forever.”
Hadley, meanwhile, described Mr Griffin as “a colossal person supporting sport and local business” in the Hills District, including in his role as senior football co-ordinator for the Hills Bulls Rugby League Club.
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He also financially supported International Boxing Federation and Ring champion Jai Opetaia during his Olympic campaign over a decade ago.
“This week we lost someone very special to our team/family,” Mr Opetaia wrote on Instagram, sharing a video of an interview with Mr Griffin.
“Griffo has been a real day one and has been on this journey since I was a young boy and always had my back through it … we love you Griffo and will miss you.”
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