Austin Lewis Blaney Ballard faces court on unlawful strike causing death charge after passing of Cameron Duce

Crowds of supporters have packed a court as a Gold Coast teenager accused of fatally striking another man during an altercation in Burleigh was granted bail.

A photograph posted on social media by Cameron Duce’s father Chris. Picture: Supplied.

A Gold Coast teenager accused of fatally striking another young man during an altercation on a Burleigh street has been granted bail.

Crowds of supporters packed into the courtroom gallery as Austin Lewis Blaney Ballard faced Southport Magistrates Court for the first time since his arrest on Monday.

He is charged with unlawful strike causing death in relation to the alleged fatal assault on 22-year-old Nerang man Cameron Duce.

It is alleged Mr Ballard kicked Mr Duce during an altercation between several groups of people at Burleigh in the early hours of September 22.

Cameron Duce, 22, was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition after he was allegedly assaulted at Burleigh Heads about 2.30am on September 22. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Duce was found lying on the ground on First Ave near the corner of The Esplanade with a severe head injury at about 2.30am, after police were called to reports of a disturbance.

He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, but sadly died on Saturday.

Mr Ballard was arrested on Monday after police appealed for public assistance in their upgraded homicide probe.

The teenager was brought in from the watch-house to make an application for bail on Tuesday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Nick Wang opposed the application, saying it was a strong case against the Robina man and that he could contact or interfere with witnesses to the incident.

Defence barrister Scott Lynch, instructed by Hannay Lawyers, said the 18-year-old had no criminal history and strong family ties and support.

Mr Lynch said there were several issues that could be raised at trial – including identification – and that his client had surrendered himself to police with his lawyers, knowing he had been involved in a “fracas”.

Magistrate Jakub Lodziak granted the teenager’s bail on several conditions, including a curfew and that he must have a blood alcohol concentration below 0.05 at all times.

Mr Lodziak said the consequences of the alleged altercation “could not have been more tragic”, and that there was some evidence going towards Mr Ballard allegedly being the person who kicked Mr Duce.

“I’m not overlooking the fact this is a serious (alleged) offence and that what resulted was catastrophic,” he said.

Mr Ballard’s defence team confirmed outside the courthouse that he would be fighting the charge, with lawyer Hugh Stitt saying it was “far too early” to otherwise determine how the case would proceed.

The matter was due to return to court on November 5.

Mr Duce’s father took to social media after the events in court today, saying the family was disappointed with Mr Ballard being released on bail.

“Obviously we are all upset about this, but we are here for the long term result now,” he wrote.

Originally published as Austin Lewis Blaney Ballard faces court on unlawful strike causing death charge after passing of Cameron Duce