Reece Watherston has days to defend against claims he killed Jack Hanley with a punch on Hindley St

Prosecutors are about to close their case against the young man accused of killing another with a punch on Hindley St — he has until Monday to decide if he will take the stand to defend himself.

• Victim ‘killed by powerful punch while trying to get away’
• Brawl ‘sparked by verbal abuse from alleged killer’s friends’
• Fatal punch ‘thrown with all force possible’, says eyewitness
• Young man ‘taunted as he lay dying’ on Hindley St

The young man standing trial for killing Jack Hanley with a single punch has until Monday to decide whether he will take the stand in his own defence.

On Wednesday, prosecutors told the Supreme Court they were about to close their case against Reece Watherston, who has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.

Reece Watherston has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. Picture: AAP / Keryn Stevens

Watherston’s counsel, Jane Powell, asked the court whether it would be prepared to grant her client “an indulgence”.

“It’s something I’m somewhat coy about, whether or not after the prosecution (concludes) what indulgence might be given for the defence to consider its case,” she said.

“I can tell Your Honour that, if there is to be a defence case, it would be appreciated if it could be presented on Monday.”

Justice Anne Bampton said she “would be prepared to accommodate that”.

Watherston, 21, has pleaded not guilty to one count of manslaughter.

Prosecutors allege he struck Mr Hanley “with all possible force” after their respective groups of friends had scuffled on the corner of Hindley and Morphett streets.

Multiple eyewitnesses have given evidence that Mr Hanley was struck even though he did not take part in the aggression.

Jack Hanley died on Hindley St after a brawl between two groups, though he did not take part himself.

They have also said the sound of his head striking the pavement was so loud that it was audible across the Hindley/Morphett intersection.

The court has heard all the men involved in the events had taken drugs including MDMA, cannabis and “nossies”, or inhaling small canisters of nitrous oxide.

On Wednesday, the court heard Mr Hanley’s friend Mitchell Blackie — who was involved in the brawl before the fatal punch — had prior convictions for hindering police and disorderly behaviour.

It also heard Watherston was “a suspect right away” based on eyewitness testimony, and that he was “very shaken, very stressed and very distressed” when police arrested him.

The trial continues tomorrow.