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🇦🇺 Australia /Conflict & Security

Cage fighter claims 'mucking around' led to fatal spar

From ABC Australia · (1d ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A professional cage fighter is on trial for murder after allegedly killing his best friend during a sparring session in Sydney.
  • The accused told police it was an accident, claiming he kicked his friend, who had brittle bone disease, in the head while

In a Sydney courtroom, the harrowing details of a fatal sparring session have emerged, painting a grim picture of a night that began in celebration and ended in tragedy. Bradley Dusan Fletcher, a professional cage fighter, stands accused of murdering his best friend, Bradley Evennett, in March 2024.

I promise you boys it was an accident, man. He's my best friend … I accidentally killed my best friend. Kicked him in the head.

— Bradley Dusan FletcherThe accused told police he had accidentally kicked his friend in the head while "mucking around."

The Crown prosecutor detailed how the two friends, after consuming alcohol and cocaine, were engaged in light sparring at a new rental property. According to Fletcher's girlfriend, the mood was initially jovial, but it took a dark turn. The prosecution alleges Fletcher, despite being aware of Evennett's brittle bone disease, used his martial arts skills to repeatedly strike his friend, leading to his death.

He's my best friend … I accidentally killed my best friend. Kicked him in the head.

— Bradley Dusan FletcherThe accused told police he had accidentally kicked his friend in the head while "mucking around."

Fletcher's defense claims the fatal blow was accidental, a result of "mucking around." He reportedly told police he kicked his friend in the head during the spar, later panicking and attempting to conceal the body before fleeing the scene in Evennett's car. The jury heard Fletcher's own words to police, expressing disbelief and remorse: "I promise you boys it was an accident, man. He's my best friend … I accidentally killed my best friend. Kicked him in the head."

The two mates were having a good time, but things changed.

— Kate RatcliffeCrown Prosecutor Kate Ratcliffe described the shift in mood during her opening address.

While the defense pleaded guilty to manslaughter, the Crown rejected this, proceeding with the murder charge. The forensic pathologist's opinion suggests Evennett's genetic condition played no significant role in his death, underscoring the severity of the blunt force injuries. This case highlights the devastating consequences that can arise when controlled combat techniques spill into uncontrolled, alcohol-fueled altercations, leaving a community to grapple with the loss of a young life under tragic circumstances.

The accused repeatedly struck the deceased to his head and torso, causing the deceased's death.

— Kate RatcliffeCrown Prosecutor Kate Ratcliffe told the jury about the alleged actions of the accused.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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