Matthew Williams dies in hospital after assault on the Manly Corso

A 37-year-old man who died in hospital after an assault on the Manly Corso has been remembered as a loving family man, who was “kind and caring”.

Matthew Williams has died in hospital following an alleged assault in Manly last month. Picture: Supplied:

A man who died in hospital following an assault in Manly has been remembered by his friends as “kind and caring” as his alleged attacker faced court today.

Narraweena man Matthew Williams, 37, was found by passers-by on The Corso just before 3am on January 27 suffering a serious head injury.

Bystanders performed CPR until emergency services arrived, with paramedics rushing him to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.

Mr Williams was placed in an induced coma, but passed away on Tuesday night.

A close friend of Mr Williams said he would be “greatly missed”.

“He loved his family fiercely and his friends too, he was fun and silly and would make everyone laugh every single day,” the friend said.

Matthew Williams has died in hospital following an alleged assault in Manly. Picture: Supplied

“He will be greatly missed by so many.”

Mr Williams’ friend said his family were “really struggling with his loss”.

Friend Paina Inas Brown paid tribute to Mr Williams on social media following the news of his death on Wednesday.

“Rest easy now bro gonna miss ya love you bro,” he wrote on Facebook.

Alex Ghazarian shared an image of he and Mr Williams to Instagram with the caption “RIP MJ” also on Wednesday morning.

Detectives established Strike Force Ditchfield to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A Northern Beaches local was charged over the alleged incident.

Jesse Allan, leaving Manly Local Court. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

Jesse Allan, 24, of Fairlight was arrested at his home on January 28 and charged with assault.

Police alleged that the man fell and hit his head during an incident involving Jesse Allan, Manly Local Court was told during Mr Allan’s bail application on January 29.

The alleged assault took place on the Manly Corso. Picture: Julian Andrews

The accused’s barrister told the magistrate that Mr Allan allegedly used an “open handed push” in self defence during an altercation after words were exchanged between the men.

The court heard that the alleged victim fell backwards and hit his head and that Mr Allan tried to assist the man, but was abused by bystanders before he left the scene.

The Magistrate said there was a “very clear and serious injury to the victim”, but granted strict conditional bail to Mr Allan on one count of wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Mr Allan must continue living with his parents, forfeit his Australian and UK passports and appear again at the Downing Centre Local Court on March 26.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Investigations under Strike Force Ditchfield continue.