Arrest ends long hunt for bashing case fugitive

A New Zealander wanted for the brutal beating of an Irish backpacker that left the victim in a coma for seven months will face court in Sydney today after evading capture for almost two years.

Kane Desmond Tupuolamoui was arrested in Darwin early yesterday and after an extradition hearing in the city's Magistrates Court, he was held in custody for a flight to Sydney.

The 21-year-old will appear in the New South Wales District Court today charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.

His arrest, after police received a tip-off from a member of the public, ends a manhunt launched after David Keohane was found unconscious in a Sydney suburban street early on August 9, 2008.

Mr Keohane was in a coma for 218 days and regained consciousness in a hospital in his home town of Cork on St Patrick's Day, March 17, last year.

Tupuolamoui was one of two men sought for the attack which left Mr Keohane with permanent brain damage.

The flooring contractor, who had lived in Sydney for four years, was struck on the head about 14 times, causing multiple injuries and facial fractures.

He had been walking home from a takeaway bar in Coogee about 3am when he was assaulted and robbed.

The search for Tupuolamoui intensified in May after co-accused Thomas Isaako was sentenced to 14 years' jail.

A jury found Isaako not guilty of attempted murder but he admitted lesser charges of robbery and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

A friend of Mr Keohane said Tupuolamoui's arrest might provide closure for the victim and his family.

"I'm very pleased with the news, hopefully it will provide closure to the episode," said Steve Carey.

Two other people, Isaako's then girlfriend and a 39-year-old man, had previously been charged with hindering an investigation.

- NZPA