Tyson Armstrong sentenced over death of Luke Francis

A father-of-three killed a young man in a violent bashing in Melbourne’s Crown Casino has learnt his fate in court.

Tyson Armstrong, arrives at the Supreme Court of Victoria accused of manslaughter over the Crown Casino food court death of Luke Anthony Francis in March 2022. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

A father-of-three has been jailed over the violent and ultimately fatal bashing of a tradie in Melbourne’s Crown Casino.

In the Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Andrew Tinney said Tyson Armstrong had committed a “cowardly sneak attack” in the unprovoked assault that caused the death of Mordialloc concretor Luke Francis, who was only 29.

Tyson Armstrong being led into the Supreme Court earlier this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Justice Tinney said Armstrong, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in same court earlier this week, was guilty of a “violent, cowardly and unforgivable” attack on an “entirely innocent” young man, and sentenced him to 10 years prison.

The court was told the attack occurred shortly after midnight on March 27 last year.

Francis and his girlfriend had been at a music festival with friends in the afternoon, before the pair decided to go to Crown before returning home.

Family and supporters of Luke Francis, who was coward punched at Crown Casino following the sentence hearing for Tyson Armstrong. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Luke’s step-father, sister Emily Harris, and mum Michelle Harris outside Victoria’s Supreme Court on Friday. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Justice Tinney said that at about 12:14am Francis had the “great misfortune to run into (Armstrong) you.”

The court was told Armstrong had that day caught the train to Melbourne from Geelong, and was staying at the Great Southern Hotel in Spencer St.

Justice Tinney said the pair appeared to exchange a few words with each other before Armstrong initiated his “overtly violent” and “unprovoked assault,” with included grappling with Frances before punching him twice on the left hand side of his face.

Justice Tinney said the attack was without warning, and Armstrong had followed Francis.

Girlfriend of Luke Francis, Tessa Penberthy, speaks outside of the Supreme Court on Friday. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

After being struck by Armstrong, Francis collapsed, with what ultimately was ruptured carotid artery, the court was told.

By the time paramedics arrived at 12:30 he had entered cardiac arrest.

He was resuscitated and taken to the Alfred Hospital, but was found to have no cerebral blood flow and his injuries were considered to be unsurvivable.

Justice Tinney said Armstrong was seen by a witness to be “standing there like a hero” after assaulting Francis, and could be seen “laughing” with his cousin after leaving Crown.

Luke Francis, 29, died after he was violently assaulted by Tyson Armstrong in the food court of Melbourne’s Crown Casino last year.

He said Armstrong had a history on violent offending, including the 2015 assault of a police officer.

“You are a violent and dangerous person when drunk,” Justice Tinney said.

He said the assaults of the nature Armstrong perpetrated against Francis had become a “serious problem in our community,” were a “growing concern” and an “all too common occurrence.”

Armstrong must serve at least eight years of his sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.

Originally published as Tyson Armstrong sentenced over death of Luke Francis