Man charged with murder over Patrick Cronin’s death

HOMICIDE detectives are questioning a man over the alleged coward punch death of suburban footballer Patrick Cronin.

Man charged with teen’s murder

ANDREW William Lee has faced an out of sessions hearing charged with the murder of Patrick Cronin.

The 33-year-old, from Diamond Creek, sat quietly with his hands in his lap as he was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.

Lee, with clean cropped black hair, was wearing a black hooded jumper, ripped blue jeans and looked down throughout the brief hearing.

Mr Cronin, 19, had been acting as a mediator in a fight outside a Diamond Creek pub when he sustained injuries which he later died from in hospital, the hearing was told.

When asked if he understood he had been charged with murder, Lee nodded in reply.

The hearing was told he handed himself into the West Melbourne police station and gave a video recorded interview, in which he declined to comment.

Lee, silent but for a few “yes” and “no” replies to questions, shook his head when asked if he had any comment to the summary of events.

He replied “no” when asked if he was on any prescription medication, had any injuries or had concerns for his welfare.

Minutes later he was escorted from the hearing and as he walked away he shoved his hands into the pockets of his hooded jumper.

Patrick Cronin.

Originally published as Man charged with murder over Patrick Cronin’s death