Patrick Cronin’s family ‘extremely disappointed’ after murder charge dropped against accused attacker

The family of a Victorian footballer who died after allegedly being punched have slammed the “disgraceful” decision to drop murder charges against his accused attacker.

Andrew William Lee faced a committal hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today over the brawl outside The Windy Mile hotel at Diamond Creek in April last year.

Patrick Cronin died after suffering bleeding on his brain. His family made the decision to switch off his life support two days after the fight.

He had just played his first senior football game for Lower Plenty Football Club and had gone to the pub to celebrate when the fight erupted.

Mr Lee was charged with the murder of the 19-year-old, but prosecutors today downgraded the charge to manslaughter.

“We’re extremely disappointed this has happened,” his father, Matt Cronin, told reporters outside court.

“Thirteen months ago, Pat went out on a Saturday night. He didn’t choose to come home. Someone made that choice for him to not come home.”

Mr Cronin said Patrick’s alleged attacker should be facing “the full extent of the law.”

“We don’t agree with it. But we have no control over it. All we know is Pat’s not coming home. And that’s not just fair.”

Patrick’s mother, Robyn, said she was not allowed in the courtroom after making a statement on behalf of her son.

“It’s horrible,” she said.

Mr Cronin criticised the Victorian justice system for “not looking after victims”.

“Something needs to happen with this legal system. It’s just awful,” he said.

“We’re sick of the accused having all the rights and us having none. Pat’s mum can’t even be inside the courtroom to defend (Patrick).

“We’re a long way from justice.”

Mr Cronin thanked the hundreds of supporters of Patrick who arrived at court today.

“It’s an amazing show of strength of the communities we’re a part of,” he said.

The committal continues tomorrow.