Killarney Vale: Riley Dalziell pleads not guilty to alleged one-punch assault at party

A teenager has formally entered a plea over an alleged one-punch assault at a Killarney Vale house party which left a 16-year-old boy fighting for life in a coma.

A teenager will learn his fate when he fronts court next year over the alleged reckless assault of a 16-year-old at Killarney Vale.

Apprentice plumber Riley Dalziell, of The Entrance, faced Gosford District Court on Thursday where he pleaded not guilty to one count of causing reckless grievous bodily harm to a 16-year-old boy.

The 19-year-old was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent following the incident last year but that offence was withdrawn and dismissed in Wyong Local Court earlier this month.

Riley Dalziell, 19, of The Entrance, leaving Gosford District Court. Picture: NewsLocal

Mr Dalziell’s solicitor Mark Ramsland told the District Court his client’s trial was expected to run well over two weeks and applied to have the matter moved to Sydney.

Criminal trials with an estimated duration of three weeks or more are almost always relocated to Sydney or Newcastle, as a matter of protocol, to free up court time at Gosford.

It comes after emergency services were called to Torres St, Killarney Vale, following reports a group of people had attended a house party about 8.30pm on October 30, 2021, and a fight allegedly erupted outside.

In documents tendered to court, police allege Mr Dalziell was already at the address with other partygoers when a 16-year-old boy, accompanied by four or five other people, attended.

Police alleged the 16-year-old had gone to the address to collect his girlfriend when the two groups began “inciting to fight each other”.

As the two groups began to disperse, police will allege in court Mr Dalziell approached the 16-year-old from behind, called out to him and when the victim turned around Mr Dalziell allegedly punched him in the face.

The victim fell and hit his head on the roadway knocking him unconscious.

Dalziell pleaded not guilty to causing reckless grievous bodily harm to a boy following an alleged one-punch assault at Killarney Vale. Picture: NewsLocal

The boy was treated at the scene by NSW Paramedics before being flown to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a critical condition.

He remained at the hospital in an induced coma for several days.

The matter was adjourned to the Downing Centre District Court on September 23 for mention to set a trial date, which is expected to be some time next year.

Mr Dalziell’s bail was continued.