An “entirely senseless” death beating of a cherished Melbourne tradesman at Crown casino resulted in the father of three being sentenced to up to ten years in prison.
After pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with the March 2022 attack, Tyson Armstrong, 28, was sentenced on Friday in front of dozens of Luke Francis’ family members and friends in Melbourne.
When Francis and his girlfriend approached the Crown’s food court, Armstrong was on the casino floor.
Armstrong was intoxicated and looking for a fight, but the 29-year-old concrete worker maintained his composure and went away after a brief exchange of words lasting five seconds.
Francis was instead caught by Armstrong, who had followed him and had his hands around his neck and chest.
He shoved Francis against a railing and then struck him in the face twice—once with a closed fist and once with an open one.
After the 13-second beating, Francis lost consciousness and fell to the ground.
Do you think I’m too large for you? You can’t manage me. As his victim lay on the ground unconscious, Armstrong spoke to him.
Before paramedics arrived and sent Francis to the hospital, Francis’ girlfriend and casino personnel attempted to revive him.
But because of the hemorrhage on his brain, he was beyond saving.
After his family switched off his life support a few days later, on March 29, Francis passed away in the hospital.
Armstrong, who was with his cousin, left the casino and headed toward the riverfront. He was subsequently taken into custody by police.
He first denied getting into a fight before telling police Francis had punched him in the face while trying to get him to go outside for a fighting.
Armstrong’s claims were refuted by Supreme Court Justice Andrew Tinney, who said Francis didn’t provoke his assailant.
As you and Luke made their way to the food court, “the only person with violence in his mind was you,” he said to Armstrong.
As he gave Armstrong a 10-year prison term on Friday for the unprovoked and “entirely senseless” assault, the judge described Armstrong as a “violent, drunken thug.”
He added, “You took the life of a much-loved young guy with his whole life ahead of him by your thoughtless act of violence.
After eight years, Armstrong, who has already served six months in prison, will be able to apply for parole.
