Irish criminal Patrick Farrell wanted by NSW Police over one-punch attack

A convicted Irish killer wanted for questioning over a one-punch attack in Sydney has raised questions about Australia’s border security, and left many asking how safe regulations really are.

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EXCLUSIVE: An Irish convicted killer wanted for questioning over a one-punch pub attack and a stabbing should not have been allowed into Australia, his victim’s father says.

Patrick Farrell, 29, is being sought by New South Wales police after he was accused of being involved in a stabbing in Randwick in August.

He is also wanted over a vicious attack on a 56-year-old man in a pub in Matraville in November last year, which was caught on CCTV.

Andrew Dolan was killed in an attack in Mullingar after being punched by Patrick Farrell. Farrell is now wanted in Australia over a one-punch attack and a stabbing. Picture: Supplied

Farrell was previously jailed for three and a half years for killing Andrew Dolan in Mullingar, Ireland, an hour west of Dublin.

The 20-year-old begged him, “Don’t hit me,” and asked, “What did I do?” before Farrell punched him on December 23, 2011.

The biomedical science student died in hospital 10 days later.

Dolan’s father Joe told News Corp Australia he was concerned about the latest reports of Farrell’s alleged activity in Sydney.

“We are shocked and appalled, these allegations are very serious,” Mr Dolan said from his home in Carrick on Shannon in Ireland.

“We wonder how he got to Australia in the first place and hope that justice will be delivered appropriately.”

Patrick Farrell, 24, is wanted for questioning by NSW Police over the stabbing of a man in Maroubra. Picture: Supplied

The Australian Government’s Home Affairs website states that people applying for a visa will be subject to a criminal record check.

It states that a person with a substantial criminal record, which includes those sentenced to more than 12 months jail, would be banned from entering Australia.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has deported more than 1,600 criminals under Section 501 of the Migration Act.

News Corp Australia understands that Farrell did not declare his conviction when applying for an Australian visa.

Mr Dutton’s office said in a statement that it could not comment on individual cases.

“The Australian Government takes seriously its responsibility to protect the Australian public from the risk of harm posed by non-citizens who engage in criminal conduct or behaviour,” the statement said.

“Non-citizens who do not comply with their visa conditions, who provide incorrect information in order to enter Australia, who may pose a significant risk to the health and safety of the Australian community, or who engage in substantial criminal conduct will have their visas cancelled.”

Boxer Danny Green has campaigned in Australia for an end to one-punch violence, and similar awareness drives have occurred in Ireland.

Andrew Dolan had been scrolling through his phone after leaving a chip shop when Jessica Hughes, then 21, slapped him.

Her friend Patrick Daly then hit Mr Dolan, but both were acquitted of manslaughter.

Farrell delivered the fatal blow, despite Mr Dolan’s pleas for mercy, which caused him to hit his head on the ground.

Andrew Dolan’s parents have expressed dismay at Farrell being able to enter Australia. Picture: supplied

Farrell, of Kildare, who was 21 at the time, pleaded guilty to unlawful killing in the Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court.

Joe Dolan told the court in a victim impact statement: “How many more innocent young people must die or suffer life-changing injuries and how many more families must be ruined before someone cries stop.

“In God’s name, can someone call a halt to this senseless carnage? Just think about it.”

Mr Dolan’s mother Rosie has said during campaigns to end one-punch violence: “If a bystander had yelled ‘stop’, if friends had got a taxi home for someone out of control with drink, my son could be alive today.”

Farrell is wanted for questioning in relation to the disturbing August attack on 30-year-old Oliver in Randwick.

Mr Solan was left with a partially cut ear after the attack, which included several other people. Police have said Farrell has previously been seen in Randwick, Maroubra, Mascot and Alexandria.

If you have any information relating to these attacks contact Maroubra Police Station or [phone] or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

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Originally published as Irish criminal Patrick Farrell wanted by NSW Police over one-punch attack