Manslaughter charge against martial artist Francois Ghassibe upgraded to murder over death of 70yo man

A man who allegedly killed a 70-year-old man in a road rage incident on West Tce is now facing a new, more serious charge.

A skilled martial artist who claims he repeatedly – and fatally – kneed a man 40 years older than him in the head in self-defence now stands charged with murder.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, prosecutors upgraded their case against Francois Joseph Ghassibe from manslaughter to the most serious charge under SA law.

Mr Ghassibe, who attended the hearing by video link, did not visibly react to the decision, of which, his counsel conceded, “there were signs this was coming”.

Alleged road rage victim Brian Richardson.

Prosecutors did not give a reason in court for the upgrade but, under state law, have until the “charge determination date” to finalise a case against a defendant.

Wednesday was the charge determination date for Mr Ghassibe’s matter.

Mr Ghassibe, 30, of Mansfield Park, is accused of killing Brian Richardson, 70, in a road-rage incident on West Terrace in April.

Previously, prosecutors alleged Mr Richardson was involved in a dispute with Mr Ghassibe’s taxi driver, prompting the younger man to assault him.

He allegedly “threw a flurry of punches” at Mr Richardson’s head and “he cowered and tried to cover his head”, then “kneed or kicked him in the face”.

It is further alleged that, as the taxi driver took them away from the scene, Mr Ghassibe said: “It’s okay, we will go back to the hood, he hit you and I f***ed him up’.”

Mr Ghassibe has claimed he acted in self-defence and was fearful of the other people in Mr Richardson’s car.

The court has heard those people were Mr Richardson’s wife and two of his relatives, each of whom has dementia.

On Wednesday, Mr Ghassibe was remanded in custody to face court again in November.