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Fisherman in court over death of Irishman in Australia

Charlie McCarthy with his family
Charlie McCarthy with his family Charlie McCarthy with his family

A FISHERMAN has appeared in court over the death of an Irish man in Australia.

Charlie McCarthy (32), originally from Aghada in Co Cork, died in hospital after allegedly being struck on the head during an altercation in Perth.

The father-of-two was walking with his wife and a friend at about 1.30am on Saturday when it's alleged a row broke out with two others.

Family members had travelled over Christmas to Perth from their home in Aghada to be with Mr McCarthy in hospital.

Andrew Doan (34) appeared at Perth Magistrates Court earlier this week charged with causing grievous bodily harm.

However, the court was told he would likely face more serious charges following a post-mortem examination.

According to reports, Mr McCarthy emigrated from Ireland in the 2000s and returned for a period with his Australian-born wife, Nicole, before moving back to Perth to make a life for themselves.

The couple, who have two children, Ciara (5) and Niall (2), live in Perth and Mr McCarthy worked for a company laying cables in construction projects.

Mr Doan is accused of striking Mr McCarthy on the head with an object, causing him to fall to the ground.

During a bail application, a lawyer for Mr Doan said his client's actions were more consistent with self-defence or accident, according to PerthNow.

He described Mr Doan as a compassionate, generous, kind and harmless father and said the accused intended to defend himself at a trial.

A bail application was adjourned pending the outcome of the post mortem, and Mr Doan was remanded in custody to appear in court again on January 3.