Man accused of Origin night pub death in court

The man charged over the death of another man following an alleged ‘one-punch’ altercation at a pub north of Brisbane on Wednesday night, where a crowd had gathered to watch the State of Origin decider, has been named in court.

Police at the Sundowner Hotel Motel at Caboolture where a man died after an alleged 'one-punch' attack on Wednesday night.

A 29-year-old Caboolture man accused of landing a deadly blow on a man at a local hotel has been mentioned in court this morning.

Joel Michael James Smith – who remains in custody in Pine Rivers watch house – was represented in Caboolture Magistrates Court today by Jurgensen and Horne solicitor Kristie Horne.

Mr Smith is accused of unlawful striking of a 49-year-old Murrumba Downs man causing death, following an alleged altercation at the Sundowner Hotel about 10pm last night at the Sundowner Hotel.

Mr Smith did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody until to return to court next Tuesday, November 24 for a possible bail application.

Earlier, police alleged the victim was punched in the face and subsequently fell to the ground.

“As far as I’m aware these two don’t know each other,” Senior Sergeant Deegan said.

“The football wouldn’t have been long finished at that stage.”

Senior Sergeant Deegan said paramedics attempted to revive the man “for at least 30 minutes” but he sadly died at the hotel.

The deceased’s partner was at the scene, and was inconsolable as the police investigations got under way.

“Baby I love you,” the woman yelled before being taken home by police.

Sen-Sgt Deegan said the younger man was taken away from the scene in a utility and was located by police about 11.40pm.

A man who was staying within metres of last night’s fatal one punch attack said he believes the incident was sparked over state rivalries following the Origin decider.

Glenn Stone, who was staying at the Motel connected to the Sundowners Hotel said he’d heard shouting between the rival sides before emergency services filled the pub’s carpak.

“From what was getting yelled out in the carpark, there was a bit of mischief out there, it was between New South Wales and Queensland,” he said.

According to Mr Stone, a group of Queensland supporters had reportedly been giving the New South Wales fans “a hard time.”

Moments after Mr Stone heard the two sides shouting, Luke Jay Kenworthy would be pronounced deceased after a one punch attack.

“It’s as easy as that, someone says something silly, all of a sudden someone gets up and does something stupid like that, then someone ends up dead. It’s just not right,” Mr Stone said.

“That stuff’s not called for, this is Australia and we shouldn’t be doing that sort of stuff... Unfortunately this has happened, ya know?”

In a statement, the Sundowner Hotel said their thoughts are with Mr Kenworthy’s family.

“We can confirm there was an incident at the Sundowner Hotel last night however cannot provide further comment while the investigation is in the hands of the Queensland Police Service. Our thoughts are with the family involved at this time,” a statement from Australian Venue Company state manager Scott Brydson said.