Man jailed for 14 years after attack on Irishman
Mr Keohane was in a coma for seven months and in hospital for more than a year after being attacked in the seaside suburb of Coogee by Thomas Isaako and an accomplice, who is still at large.
A district court in Sydney heard they beat Mr Keohane, then 29, so severely that almost every bone in his face was fractured, and doctors did not expect him to survive.
Mr Keohane, a flooring contractor who was living and working in Sydney, was punched in the head about 14 times after he made his way home from the pub at about 2am, Judge Ronald Soloman recounted.
“The injuries sustained by the victim can only be described as horrendous and have had (serious) consequences for him and his family,” said Judge Soloman during sentencing at Downing Centre District Court.
“The injuries suffered by the victim are more serious than almost any case of robbery,” he said.
Mr Keohane’s friends and relatives, including his father Tom and sister Carol, watched the sentencing by video link.
Mr Keohane was repatriated to Ireland while still in a coma. He finally regained consciousness at Cork University Hospital on St Patrick’s Day 2009.
Thomas Isaako of Bankstown, Sydney, was acquitted of attempted murder in March this year, but pleaded guilty to robbery and inflicting grievous bodily harm.
He also pleaded guilty to a separate assault on a student nine days later. His other victim, an overseas student, suffered a fractured collar bone.
His full jail term on both charges lasts until September 15, 2027.
The court heard David Keohane suffered multiple facial and skull fractures and was unconscious for 218 days. He regained consciousness after his family took him back to Ireland.
The court heard that on the night of the attack on Mr Keohane, Isaako consumed a large quantity of alcohol and was under the influence of crystal methamphetamine when he and another man decided to “roll” someone.
Police are still looking for the second man, New Zealander Kane Desmond Tupuolamaoui, over the attack. Sydney authorities renewed their appeal for information as to his whereabouts. They issued a photograph of the suspect, who is of Maori appearance.
“This case was brutal and outraged the police, David’s family and the community,” crime manager detective Inspector Paul Pisanos said.
“David Keohane is lucky to be alive. The crime still resonates in the conscience of the local community. It is a case that police will continue to keep open. Any assistance leading to locating Kane Tupuolamoui would be greatly appreciated,” said Inspector Pisanos.
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