The family of Irishman David Keohane, who suffered horrific injuries when he was bashed in Coogee, has expressed relief after the second of his attackers was jailed by a Sydney Court today (Thursday).

Mr Keohane, 29, was assaulted by Thomas Isaako and Kane Desmond Tupuolamoui while walking to his home at 3am on August 9, 2008, after buying a pizza.

As a result of multiple fractures to the skull and facial fractures, he was unconscious for 218 days during which his family flew him to his home in Cork.

Though he regained consciousness, he was confined to a wheelchair. He continues to suffer from serious brain injuries.

Tupuolamoui, 21, was today sentenced to a maximum sentence of 13 years – eight years without parole – by Judge Ronald Solomon in the NSW District Court.

Tupuolamoui’s sentence was reduced because he pleaded guilty to the attack, but the judge also took into account the fact that he initially fled to Darwin in a bid to escape police.

Tupuolamoui sat with his head bowed as Judge Solomon described how the men had kicked, punched, and hit Mr Keohane with a pole, leaving him with brain injuries that seriously affect his speech, movement and memory.

“This was an aggravated offence causing colossal damage,” Judge Solomon said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“They had terrible consequences both for him and his family, changing the character of the victim’s life. He was a successful and independent person who now has an uncertain future.”

Family friend of the Keohanes Pat O’Meara read out a statement after the hearing.

“We’re very relieved that the sentencing has been done and the Keohane family would like to thank the police for all the marvellous work they did in bringing David’s attackers to justice and for all the help and continued support they’ve given them,” she said.

“Many thanks to every body who wished him well and wished the family well. David’s still recovering in Ireland and they would like people to remember him and keep him in their prayers.

“Even though David has many difficulties in life he still retains hid good nature and sense of humour. His family members hope that one day he will regain a measure of what he calls quality in his life.”

Tom Keohane, pictured centre with his son David and daughter Carol, before returning to Ireland in 2008.

David Keohane has warmly welcomed the news that there has been another arrest over his 2008 Coogee bashing.

The Corkman was discovered lying on the ground near the intersection of Brook and Kidman Street at Coogee about 3am on Saturday 9 August 2008.

He had suffered head injuries and was treated at Prince of Wales Hospital before being taken back to Ireland in a coma by his family in September 2008.

He regained consciousness on St Patrick’s Day 2009.

Speaking from Ireland last night for the first time since his horrific assault two years ago, David Keohane said he had heard the news and was “very happy he is not free to walk the streets to try and kill somebody else”.

He went on: “The case is ongoing and we have had great confidence in the police force.”

While it’s understood that Mr Keohane faces a long period of rehabilitation, he sounded positive about his prognosis.

“I’m still taking the time I need to recover,” he said.

Kane Desmond Tupuolamoui, a 21-year-old New Zealand national,  was arrested in Darwin on Thursday morning by New South Wales detectives.

The arrest follows a nationwide search launched two months ago.

He faced Darwin Magistrate’s Court for an extradition hearing before being flown to Sydney this morning.

He was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent to murder at Waverley Court. He did not appear in the dock as he was not applying for bail.

Three other people have previously been charged over Mr Keohane’s assault.

Eastern Beaches Local Area Commander Superintendent Gavin Dengate said a tip off from the public led to the arrest.

“We received information from members of the public which assisted us in finding this man and I would like to extend my thanks to the community for their help,” Supt Dengate said.

Earlier this year, Thomas Isaako was sentenced to 14 years in jail for the 2008 attack.

David’s father Tom told the Irish Echo that the judge in the case, Ronald Solomon, “did his job very well, not like the jury”, referring to the fact that Isaako had, in March, been found not guilty of attempted murder.

David, now 29, woke from his coma at Cork University Hospital in March 2009.

The family of a 29-year-old Corkman who has been left fighting for his life at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after an assault in Randwick on Sunday night, are currently en rout to Sydney from Ireland to be at his bedside.

Paddy Fox underwent emergency surgery after a serious assault in Randwick on Sunday night outside the Royal Hotel.

Police have arrested and charged a 19-year-old man over the attack, but he has been released on bail to appear at Waverley Local Court on April 13.

The assault allegedly occurred at the hotel in Perouse Road around 8pm, in which Mr Fox, who has an address in Coogee, fell back and struck his head on the ground, according to police.

He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with serious head and brain injuries, and underwent emergency surgery.

On Monday, detectives from the Eastern Beaches Local Area Command attended an address in Cook Street, Randwick, and arrested the teenager.

He was taken to the Maroubra Police Station where he was charged with recklessly inflict grievous bodily harm.

The assault comes just months after the death of Gearóid Walsh who died after an altercation with another man in Coogee in October.

by Aaron Dunne