Early trial sought over WA one-punch death
A man accused of the manslaughter of a 23-year-old Irishman in a one-punch assault in Perth is seeking an earlier trial date.
Abbas Yahya Al Jrood is charged with the unlawful killing of Thomas Jay Keaney, who died in hospital two weeks after he was punched in the Northbridge nightclub district on December 27.
The charge against Al Jrood was upgraded from grievous bodily harm after Mr Keaney was taken off life support.
Al Jrood's two-week trial is set down to start on May 11, but the West Australian Supreme Court heard on Thursday he is seeking an earlier date.
Prosecutor Amanda Forrester said there was an urgency to confirm the dates because Mr Keaney's immediate family, who live in Ireland, are expected to attend.
The court heard Al Jrood claimed he acted in self defence and 20 eyewitnesses would testify during the trial.
Al Jrood was released on bail.
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