Matthew Hawkins appears in court charged with murder after Taperoo pub punch kills Luke Sweetman

The sister of a man tragically killed with a punch outside a popular Taperoo pub has watched in court as her brother’s alleged murderer was finally named.

The sister of a man allegedly killed by a punch to the head outside a Taperoo pub has watched in court as charges against his accused killer were upgraded to murder.

Matthew Hawkins, 29, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link on Tuesday, where his original charge of causing serious harm was upgraded to murder and manslaughter. Mr Hawkins, from Exeter, is yet to enter any pleas.

Laura Sweetman leaves court after her brother’s alleged killer had his charges upgraded to murder. Picture Dean Martin

His alleged victim, Panorama man Luke Sweetman, 35, was taken to hospital after the attack outside the Peninsula Hotel Motel just after midnight on August 10.

Charges against Mr Hawkins, whose identity was initially suppressed, were upgraded after Mr Sweetman died in hospital last Friday.

Mr Sweetman’s sister Laura watched in silence in court on Tuesday as the suppression on Mr Hawkins’ identity was lifted.

At his first appearance, Mr Hawkins’ identity was suppressed after the prosecution said there were still “a number of witnesses” yet to be interviewed, and publication of his identity “could potentially prejudice any identification made by those witnesses”.

On Tuesday Magistrate Brian Nitschke lifted the suppression order after prosecution submitted the requirements of the order had “been met”.

“We no longer require it,” the prosecution said.

“All right, well I revoke that suppression order,” Mr Nitschke said. “Thank you, Mr Hawkins.”

Emergency services were called to the Taperoo pub after receiving reports of a physical altercation between two men just after midnight on August 10.

Luke Sweetman, right, pictured with his sister Laura. Picture: Supplied.

The Peninsula Hotel Motel on Victoria Rd, Taperoo.

Emergency services outside the Peninsula Hotel at Taperoo after the alleged murder. Picture: 7NEWS

Luke Sweetman was taken to hospital after the attack where he sadly died two weeks later. Picture: 7NEWS

Police said the victim was punched to the head and rushed to hospital, where he succumbed to his life-threatening injuries on August 23.

Detectives from Western District and Crime Scene Investigators attended the scene, and following investigations, arrested Mr Hawkins.

Ben Thilthorpe, for Mr Hawkins, told Mr Nitschke he was “confident” the matter would be resolved.

“Your Honour, negotiations are well under way,” Mr Thilthorpe said.

Mr Hawkins was remanded in custody and will return to court next month. His matter is also listed for January.

Originally published as Matthew Hawkins appears in court charged with murder after Taperoo pub punch kills Luke Sweetman