Alleged one-punch killer Terekia Singapu bailed after Paul Griffin’s death

The grieving widow of a man who died after a one-punch attack has slammed a court’s decision to let his alleged attacker out on bail, despite having a criminal history that spans two decades.

The family of a man killed in a horrific one-punch attack at a Sydney pub have slammed a decision to release his alleged attacker, saying they have been failed by the state’s bail laws.

Paul Griffin, 55, was enjoying post-Melbourne Cup festivities with friends at the Ettamogah Pub in Kellyville Ridge last year when he was struck in the head, allegedly by 43-year-old Terekia Singapu.

Mr Griffin, a well-respected businessman, died in hospital in the days following.

Described as a man who would “help anyone and everyone” by his shattered family, his loss is felt every day by his children and wife Robyn.

“He always supported the underdog,” Mrs Griffin said. “He helped everyone, would sponsor teams, people. That’s the kind of person he was.”

Paul Griffin and his wife Robyn. Picture: Supplied.

Singapu fled the scene as Mr Griffin was rushed to hospital after the alleged assault. He was arrested on November 6 and charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and assault causing death.

He had been refused bail, spending months in prison on remand, until Friday, when Supreme Court Justice Stephen Campbell agreed to release him, despite acknowledging Singapu would very likely face a prison sentence of up to 20 years if found guilty.

Terekia Singapu is accused of a one punch attack at the Ettamogah Pub. Picture: Supplied

The court heard Singapu had a criminal record that dated back almost two decades, and that in 2020 he was involved in a brawl while drunk at a licensed premises.

He served a prison term for an assault in 2008 after assaulting a woman on a public street.

In 2016 he assaulted a neighbour following an argument about rubbish.

Mr Griffin’s family, including his wife, sat in the back of the court as the decision was made and said they were devastated by the outcome.

“As a family we are gutted by this decision despite promises by the Premier and the Attorney-General to toughen bail laws – our family, like many others, has been let down,” Mrs Griffin told The Sunday Telegraph.

“Our family and Paul are the victims, and yet today it would appear the alleged perpetrator is also somehow a victim.

“Various governments in NSW have talked about toughening bail laws but have failed to act.”

A detective at the Ettamogah Pub following the deadly assault. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Despite Justice Campbell agreeing the alleged attack on Mr Griffin was “violent and unprovoked”, he did not believe Singapu posed a risk to the general community.

“It’s true that the applicant’s record is of real concern,” Justice Campbell said on Friday.

“There seems to be some connection between his offending and either his presence on licenced premises or the ingestion of alcohol.

“(But) it’s not permissible for me to withhold bail as a punishment in advance of any conviction, even in a strong Crown case like this and with the likelihood of a jail term.”

As a condition of his bail, 43-year-old Singapu will be on home detention, but will be allowed out between 6am and 6pm to work at Taronga Zoo building site six days a week.

“Although there is some risk of further acts of violence, abstinence conditions, including prohibitions on entering licensed premises and home detention, are such that I cannot, in all conscience, say the risk is unacceptable,” Justice Campbell said.

The decision to grant Singapu’s release followed extensive commentary from both Premier Chris Minns and Attorney-General Michael Daley about reforming and toughening bail laws in NSW.

When asked about whether he would review the bail decision, Mr Daley offered his condolences to Mr Griffin’s family.
“My heart goes out to Paul Griffin’s family who have suffered a devastating loss,” he said.
“The NSW government is focused on ensuring community safety.
“Bail decisions are made by judicial officers who are independent of government.”

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