Bashing charge upgraded to murder
AN ADDITIONAL charge of murder was laid against Gareth Lewis yesterday after the man he allegedly assaulted at Tweed Heads on July 1 died at Gold Coast Hospital on Monday.
The 36-year-old Tweeds Heads man was initially facing charges of assault and causing grievous bodily harm over the alleged assault of 42 year-old David Mitchell at his Dry Dock Rd home in Tweed Heads.
Police allege Lewis went to Mr Mitchell's home on the morning of July 1 and assaulted him sometime between 11am and 11.30am.
It is alleged Mr Mitchell was punched to the head a number of times by Lewis before he fell to the ground and Lewis stomped on him.
A number of witnesses then intervened.
Mr Mitchell was driven to Tweed Heads hospital by a man in a blue Holden Commodore unconscious, and suffering serious head injuries.
He was treated by doctors and transferred to the Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition.
Lismore Local court Magistrate Jeff Linden adjourned the matter until October 2 to allow time for the brief of evidence to be served.
