A FATHER has died in hospital after an alleged one punch attack on the Central Coast while out celebrating New Year's Eve.
Haydn Butcher, 31, was allegedly punched in the head outside The Lakes Hotel at The Entrance in the early hours of Monday morning after celebrating at the pub with his partner.
Police say they were called to Fairview Ave after a fight took place inside the licensed premises.
Later, Mr Butcher was standing outside when 49-year-old George Joseph Habkouk allegedly ran towards him and punched him once to the face.
Mr Butcher fell to the ground, hitting his head on the concrete and losing consciousness.
The Terrigal man was taken by ambulance to Royal North Shore Hospital where he was treated for swelling to the brain. Police confirmed the 31-year-old died from his injuries on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Butcher's parents, his girlfriend and his young daughter had been keeping a bedside vigil by the carpenter's side in intensive care.
"His daughter is his princess, she's at the hospital with them," a friend said.
"He's a great guy, a wonderful Dad, he's hardworking and very supportive of his family.
"Especially since he became a father, it's been a complete change for him."
Friends took to social media hoping that Mr Butcher would recover from his horrific injuries.
"You got this," Krystle Christensen wrote.
Another said: "He is strong and we are all behind him …. We are all praying for you!!! Wake up."
Police arrested Habkouk at a home in Bateau Bay at 6.10pm on Monday night.
He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. His charges have now been upgraded to assault causing death.
He was refused bail at Wyong Local Court as it was deemed an unacceptable risk that he would fail to appear at proceedings, or endanger the safety of the community.
Habkouk will remain behind bars until his next court appearance on Monday.
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