Matthew Anthony Jennings: Quinns Rocks man accused of one-punch attack on Melbourne Cup Day fronts court

A man accused of a one-punch attack outside a Hillarys restaurant on Melbourne Cup day — which has left the victim fighting for life in hospital — has been remanded in custody. Matthew Anthony Jennings was charged with grievous bodily harm over the alleged violent attack outside Hillarys Beach Club about 4pm on Tuesday. The 41-year-old, of Quinns Rocks, faced Joondalup Magistrates Court from custody on Wednesday morning. Magistrate Raelene Johnston asked if he understood the charge, to which he replied: “Yes.” Police allege that the 43-year-old victim was waiting for a rideshare vehicle on John Wilkie Tarn, outside the Hillarys Beach Club, before Mr Jennings approached him. “It is alleged the accused man was acting in an intimidating manner before becoming involved in a physical altercation with the victim,” a police spokeswoman said. “During the altercation, the accused allegedly punched the victim to the face causing him to lose consciousness and fall backwards, striking his head on the road.” Security staff at the nearby venue rushed to the scene before detaining the accused one-punch attacker. The victim was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital by ambulance with serious head and facial injuries. He was in a critical condition in the intensive care unit on Wednesday morning, a hospital spokesman said. Mr Jennings did not apply for bail and will face court again on November 22, where it is expected he will apply for bail.