Kiwi involved in deadly attack on Aussie teen deported

Brisbane teenager Cole Miller, 18, died after being attacked in January last year. Photo / File

A New Zealander who started a fight that ultimately led to the death of an Australian teenager has been deported.

Daniel Jermaine Lee Maxwell, 22, has been sent back after serving an 18-month suspended jail sentence for his involvement in the death of Brisbane teenager Cole Miller, The Courier Mail reported.

Miller, 18, had been with a friend in Fortitude Valley in January last year when they were approached by Maxwell, who was out celebrating his 21st birthday with mate Armstrong Renata.

An Australian court heard that in an unprovoked attack, a drunk Maxwell punched Miller in the chest.

His mate Renata then got involved, delivering a fatal blow to the side of Miller's head - causing the teen to fall to the ground, unconscious.

Miller, a student at Brisbane State High School, died the next day as a result of massive brain trauma.

His father, at a press conference, later paid tribute to a young man he called beautiful and brave, and who was a promising water polo player.

Australian media reported it was understood Maxwell travelled back to New Zealand on Friday.

Renata, who like Maxwell is from Auckland, is still awaiting sentence and may also face deportation.

He will appear in court on September 25.