Oshae Jackson Tuiasau one-punch kill trial: Defendant admits not telling cops of assault fears

A former footy prodigy charged with the one-punch death of a man at Surfers Paradise says he didn’t tell cops about his fear of imminent attack by the deceased because he was tired and in shock.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos JUNE 3, 2025: Oshae Jackson Tuiasau (right) arrives to Brisbane Supreme court with family and friends. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

The defendant in an ongoing one-punch kill trial has told the jury he accepts he never told police during his first interview he was “scared” and felt the need to protect himself.

The trial at Brisbane Supreme Court of Griffin man Oshae Jackson Tuiasau, 30, who is charged with unlawful striking causing the death of Toro George, 39, at Surfers Paradise in December 2021, entered its sixth day on Monday, June 9.

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It is the Crown case that Mr Tuiasau punched Mr George in retaliation for an alleged sexual assault in Havana RnB Nightclub of a woman known to Mr Tuiasau earlier that night, while the defence argues Mr Tuiasau acted in self-defence against a drunk and belligerent man. It also disputes that the punch is what killed Mr George.

Alleged one-punch kill victim Toro George, 39. Picture: Facebook

Crown prosecutor Toby Corsbie continued his cross-examination of Mr Tuiasau, who previously told the trial he punched Mr George as their group walked up Surfers Paradise Blvd because the deceased was angry and agitated, and he feared being assaulted.

Mr Tuiasau, a former Gold Coast Titans under-20 player who represented several teams in the Queensland Cup over his career, said he was “scared” and panicked immediately before throwing the punch.

Mr Corsbie asked him why, if this was so, he never raised that during his police interview conducted about four hours after the punch was thrown.

“When I took the interview I was in shock, I hadn’t slept,” Mr Tuiasau said.

Havana RNB Nightclub, Surfers Paradise. Picture: Artesian Hospitality

According to Mr Corsbie, Mr Tuiasau told officers in the interview Mr George had “said something to one of my friends and… I think it just triggered me and I hit him”.

The defendant also told the cops, “I think it was just all the emotions… It just got to me,” as well as making reference to the way Mr George was “looking” at him, Mr Corsbie said.

Oshae Jackson Tuiasau, 30, arrives for the third day of his criminal trial, June 4, 2025. Picture: NewsWire/John Gass

Mr Corsbie asked Mr Tuiasau whether his being “triggered” by a comment Mr George made was a reference to Mr George saying he “doesn’t give a f—k” after being confronted about the alleged nightclub grope.

Mr Tuiasau denied this, although he admitted to being “upset that [Mr George] didn’t care”.

Mr Tuiasau further denied saying, immediately after the punch, “That’s what you get,” which several witnesses had previously identified the defendant as saying.

He maintained he in fact said, “He’s arcing up, bro,” a reference to Mr George’s alleged behaviour just before the punch was thrown.

The jury is expected to receive its final directions and begin considering its verdict on Tuesday.

Originally published as Oshae Jackson Tuiasau one-punch kill trial: Defendant admits not telling cops of assault fears