Lochlan Large sentenced for “king hit” assault in Moorabool St

A Corio man was unable to offer an explanation for his brutal “king hit” that left a man with a fractured jaw.

A magistrate has told a Corio man who unleashed a brutal “king hit” in Moorabool St just days after he turned 18, it was lucky he didn’t kill his victim.

Lochlan Large, 19, pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court on Friday to the charge of intentionally causing injury.

Large was out at night in the CBD with a few mates when he decided to punch the victim on November 21, 2021, leaving him with a fractured jaw and concussion.

Magistrate John Bentley said Large was fortunate the matter was not being heard in the Supreme Court.

“It could have been a murder” Mr Bentley said.

The court was told the victim and Large did not know each other.

Crown prosecutor Francesca Holmes said the victim was at the Home House nightclub enjoying an evening of social drinking and eventually left alone to catch a taxi home.

The victim ran into Large on Moorabool St and a brief verbal exchange took place before Large struck the victim to the face with his right hand, in what was described in court as a “king hit”.

“The victim fell backwards, lost consciousness immediately and landed on the road on the back of his head,” Ms Holmes said.

After the attack, Large stepped over the victim and walked away without helping, the court heard.

A number of witnesses administered first-aid and called emergency services and the victim was taken to hospital.

Large’s lawyer Sarah Wood said her client, who is heavily involved in his local football club, couldn’t provide an explanation for the punch.

“He knows it’s an inappropriate and wrong reaction,” Ms Wood said.

Mr Bentley convicted and sentenced Large to a 15-month community correction order, where he will have to undertake alcohol counselling and anger management.

He was also banned from entering any licensed premises for the next six months.

Originally published as Lochlan Large sentenced for “king hit” assault in Moorabool St