BRISBANE- A Queensland AFL footballer has been handed a life sentence for the murder of a man who was kicked in the head during a brawl outside a pub.
Geoffrey Wayne Freeman, 26, of Eagleby, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Daniel James Wade, 22, outside Beenleigh's Royal Hotel
in 2006.
The Brisbane Supreme Court was told Freeman was part of a group from the Beenleigh Buffaloes Australian Football Club who attended the hotel on the evening of March 11, 2006.
The crown alleged Freeman kicked Mr Wade in the head while he was on the ground during the brawl, resulting in his death in hospital the following day.
Freeman was found guilty of murder on Tuesday and Justice John Byrne sentenced him to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 15 years.
"You took a life in alcohol fuelled savagery," Justice Byrne told Freeman.
"I sentence you to life imprisonment."
Outside the court, Daniel's parents Julie and Gary Wade said they could now move on with their lives after three years of seeking justice.
The family thanked prosecutor Glen Cash and detectives for "uncovering the truth".
"We've been here every day of the trial and every step of the process," Mr Wade said.
"It's not really a fair trade-off only spending time in jail for taking a life. But it's the best we've got."
Mr Wade said his "happy go lucky" son would live on in the minds and hearts of family and friends.
He also offered his sympathies to the Freeman family, saying it was unfortunate both families had to lose a son.
"We're not happy that Freeman is going to be spending a large portion of his life in jail," he said.
"But he's done the crime so he's got to do the time."
Mr Wade said he hoped his son's death would send a message to all young men involved in alcohol fuelled fights.
"Violence is so prevalent today - the likelihood is you're going to experience tragedy if you're involved in violence."
- AAP
