Australian Ambassador gives assurances to Mayor Conneely on 'king punch' craze
Mayor Padraig Conneely told the ambassador, Dr Ruth Adler, that a Connemara man, Thomas Keaney died recently in Australia as a result of an alleged assault.
Dr Adler has been visiting Galway today.
The Australian ambassador told Mayor Conneely that new legislation is now being discussed in Australia in order to combat the "king punches" culture which has resulted in deaths and serious injuries in that country.
Dr Ruth Adler explained that heavier punishment and prison sentences were being considered for people who engaged in this behaviour which involves punching unsuspecting people heavily in the head.
Dr Adler said New South Walsh is moving on with tougher laws.
Dr Adler told Mayor Conneely that she was aware of the tragic death of Thomas Keaney from Murvey in Roundstone in Perth recently.
She asked Mayor Conneely to express her condolences and sorrow to the Keaney family and she knew this was a very sorrowful and stressful time for them.
Dr Adler said such a thing should never happen anybody from Ireland in Australia.