Group fronts court for brutal Xmas Eve bashing, lawyer pleads for charge to be downgraded

A GROUP of people allegedly involved in a brutal six-on-one attack of a man on Christmas Eve have appeared in court

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A GROUP of people allegedly involved in a brutal five-on-one attack of a man on Christmas Eve have appeared in court, with one’s lawyer fighting to have his client’s charges downgraded.

Tayarrah Morris, 25; Kian Wise, 20; Karl Gruber, 19; Duol Gile-Lul, 27; and Maea Tongamoa, 24, all appeared in the Darwin Local Court yesterday to face charges of unlawfully cause serious harm and engage in violent conduct.

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Morris and Wise both sat in the body of the court after being granted bail in the Darwin Supreme Court last month and earlier this week respectively.

It comes after all five were initially refused bail in the Darwin Local Court.

The other three appeared via video link from Holtze.

Kian Wise and Karl Gruber have been charged after allegedly beating a man unconscious Picture: Facebook

Gruber’s lawyer, Marty Aust, argued for his client’s charge of unlawfully cause serious harm to be downgraded so he can be dealt with in the Local Court rather than the Supreme Court – an offer he said the prosecution has refused.

“Mr Gruber is charged with intending to cause serious harm,” Mr Aust said.

Nightcliff Tigers player Kian Wise leaves court surrounded by supporters after being granted bail following a late night brawl on Mitchell St on Christmas Eve.

“The alleged victim did not suffer serious harm, in fact walked from hospital the following day.

“We want to resolve this in this court … and we’re being met with resistance (from the prosecution).

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“Where, in my submission, the charge preferred is doomed for failure.”

In response, Prosecutor Cecily Hollingworth said downgrading the charge “certainly has been considered in relation to brief of evidence”.

“I’ve had those discussions with my learned friend.”

All five will return to court on March 10 for preliminary examination mentions, with Tongamoa’s lawyer, Shane McMaster, saying he would apply for bail for his client next week.