Kiwi admits manslaughter over punch

Bruce Steensen was walking arm in arm with a friend on Mooloolaba Esplanade on February 24, 2014 when New Zealander Jesse James Patrick punched him in the back of the head. Photo / Supplied

The mother of a man who died from a coward's punch on Queensland's Sunshine Coast has pleaded with his killer to stop treating people "like a punching bag".

Bruce Steensen, 53, was walking arm in arm with a friend on Mooloolaba Esplanade on February 24, 2014 when New Zealander Jesse James Patrick punched him in the back of the head, causing him to fall and fatally fracture his skull on the concrete.

The then 21-year-old New Zealander was on parole at the time for a similar offence and punched Mr Steensen because he wanted to finish a scuffle between them that had happened only moments earlier.

Patrick is due to be sentenced after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday.

As part of her victim impact statement, Bruce's mother Gloria Steensen told Patrick in court that all she wanted was his rehabilitation.

Mrs Steensen said Bruce "drew people to him like magnet" and the family still grieved his loss despite professional counselling.

"You can't go through life treating people like a punching bag," Mrs Steensen said.
"Please don't let it happen again.

"There is no shame in just walking away."

The court heard Patrick had a history of violence and anti-social behaviour but felt remorse for his actions.

His defence lawyer said it was likely Patrick, who has lived in Australia since he was 11 and is a permanent resident, will be deported to New Zealand at the end of his sentence.

-AAP