Police plea as coward punch victim left on life support

Fraser Barton | May 31, 2023

Police are appealing for public information after a man was left on life support after being coward punched on the Gold Coast.

Michael Hayes was struck by a man outside Sanctuary Cove’s Destino Wine and Cocktail Bar on Saturday.

Police say about 9.20pm Mr Hayes left the restaurant and was seen talking to a man, who a short time later struck Mr Hayes to the head. 

Queensland Ambulance Services attended the scene and Mr Hayes was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital where his family remains by his side.

The perpetrator fled Sanctuary Cove Village and is described as caucasian, between 20-30 years of age, with short dark hair, dark track suit pants, a dark shirt and wearing a satchel over his shoulder.

“Anyone who was in the vicinity of Destino restaurant on Saturday, May 27, between 9pm and 9.30pm who saw anything suspicious or saw indeed this incident … please contact police,” Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn said on Wednesday.

Police are also appealing for any dashcam footage of Hope Island between 9pm and 10pm on Saturday to come forward.

Gold Coast CIB and homicide teams are investigating.