12 Jan 2014

Punched teenager dies in hospital

10:11 am on 12 January 2014

A Sydney teenager who was assaulted in Kings Cross on New Year's Eve has died in hospital.

Daniel Christie, 18, died on Saturday morning after his family took the decision to switch off his life support.

The ABC reports he was in a critical condition for 11 days after he was punched in Kings Cross at about 9pm (AEDT) on 31 December.

The family said his organs will be donated.

''We are so proud of Daniel and will strive to live with the core values he possessed: respect, dignity, pride and integrity," a statement said.

Police expect further charges to be laid against the man accused of assaulting him.

AAP reports Shaun McNeil, 25, is currently charged with causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and three other charges of common assault.

McNeil, a labourer, reportedly boasted he was a mixed martial arts fighter before punching Mr Christie in the face as he shielded three other men who tried to hide behind him and his brother.

Through his lawyer, the accused previously told a court that the first group of young men was trying to sell him drugs and he acted to protect his girlfriend who was with him at the time.

AAP reports he was unable to explain his actions towards the Christies.