Delroy Johnson jailed for brutal king hit attack on innocent stranger

A violent thug with a bloody history of crime fled the scene after coward punching an innocent stranger so viciously the man was hospitalised for a long time and needed surgery.

Delroy Rhys Johnson, 28, pleaded guilty in Bundaberg District Court to unlawfully causing grievous bodily harm over an incident that occurred in the early hours of February 5, 2023.

A Bundaberg football player has been sentenced to three years in prison after a single, unprovoked punch left another man unconscious and with a fractured jaw that needed surgery.

Delroy Rhys Johnson, 28, pleaded guilty in Bundaberg District Court to unlawfully causing grievous bodily harm over an incident that occurred in the early hours of February 5, 2023.

Crown prosecutor Luke Smoothy told the court the male victim and a friend were walking home from a local pub after buying food from a nearby IGA.
As they walked, another man approached them in an aggressive manner, wanting to start a fight.
The victim and his friend made it clear they weren’t interested in any confrontation.

But while the victim was distracted, looking away from Johnson and toward the other man, Johnson king-hit him on the left side of his face.

The blow knocked the victim unconscious.

Delroy Johnson was sentenced to three years in prison for causing serious injuries in an unprovoked attack.

 
He fell hard, hitting his head on the ground. He later regained consciousness in an ambulance.

His injuries were serious, including a fractured jaw that needed surgical fixation and a long stay in hospital.
While no formal victim impact statement was provided, Judge Tony Moynihan said it could be inferred the injuries caused lasting harm.

Johnson fled the scene after hitting the victim, and later told police he couldn’t remember it.
Judge Moynihan described the punch as a “cowardly act” that showed “callous disregard” for the victim’s welfare.

The court heard Johnson has a significant criminal history, including prior convictions for dishonesty, unlawful entry, drug offences, unlawful use and dangerous operation of motor vehicles, and domestic violence.
In 2016, he was convicted of grievous bodily harm after he sent a threatening text to a man, then confronted and punched him in the head. When the man fell to the ground, Johnson stomped on his head while wearing studded boots, causing serious jaw injuries that required screws and plates to repair.

On that occasion, he was sentenced to three years in prison.

He was also sentenced for assault occasioning bodily harm after punching another person in the head in an unrelated incident. In 2020, he was sentenced again — this time for a series of offences including the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and deprivation of liberty.

Those charges stemmed from an altercation with a woman during which Johnson rammed her car off the road and later chased her with a machete, pulled her by the hair, and assaulted her.

A psychological report was tendered to the court by Johnson’s legal representative, Kate Thamm, which diagnosed him with anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders.
She also referenced the letters tendered by family that suggested Johnson would not hurt someone unless provoked however said she dismissed those claims, saying he had been honest and remorseful due to the attack being unprovoked and not in self defence.

Johnson attended the Bundaberg District Court on Wednesday for his sentencing. Picture: Paul Beutel/ NewsWire

 
The psychologist noted his long-term use of alcohol and methamphetamine had contributed to his poor mental health and offending.

Judge Moynihan acknowledged Johnson had shown remorse and insight into his behaviour, had been compliant with bail conditions since the incident, and had the support of his mother, father, sister, brother, and two young children. A third child is on the way, the court heard.

He is also a football player and has remained involved in his local team, with a letter from his coach describing him as someone who had made positive changes in recent years.

Taking into account his early guilty plea, mental health conditions, remorse, and rehabilitative prospects, Judge Moynihan sentenced Johnson to three years in prison. His parole release date was fixed at June 18, 2026 — meaning he must serve at least 12 months behind bars.