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Kick to unconscious man’s head was like “a penalty kick at a soccer match”

Daneka HillNorth West Telegraph
Hand holding a gavel in silhouette against a red grungy background.
Camera IconHand holding a gavel in silhouette against a red grungy background. Credit: iStockphoto

A man who was at a Pilbara hotel the same night a man was brutally bashed to death outside the premises gave evidence in court this morning about witnessing the kick to the head that allegedly ended the 45-year-old’s life.

Saimone Lausii Kala, 29, and Oueni Pomana, 47, are on trial for the unlawful killing of Nathan Haynes, who died outside the Newman Hotel in August 2016.

In giving evidence in court today, prosecution witness Harrison Cook said there was an argument out the front of the liquor store next to the Newman Hotel between a group of six men, including Oueni Pomana, who he had met before through friends and called by the name “Owen.”

Mr Cook said the argument died down for a while, before “heating up” for a second time minutes later.

“The argument seemed to be a lot more heated,” he said.

Mr Cook said he was talking to one of the men involved to defuse the situation when the argument became physical.

He said he was pulled away by a friend before he could become involved in the altercation.

Mr Cook said when he saw Mr Haynes on the ground while he was being pulled away he “looked to be knocked out cool”.

He said Mr Pomana ran at the unconscious man and kicked his head like he was taking “a penalty kick at a soccer match”.

The trial continues.

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