It then appears that Kent then shapes up to the man, cocks his fist and charges at him, before being tossed head first by the man into the base of a tree on the other side of the street. Footage shows the 35-year-old then being tackled into the ground by another man, who had initially tried to restrain Kent. The man suffered an injury to the back of his head, for which he has sought medical attention. A photograph of the man seen by this masthead shows a large lump at the back of his head, which he alleges remains swollen and has caused him to be unable to sleep. He also alleges he sustained cuts to his back.
Murphy said his client does not drink and had been about to travel home after having a meal at Totti’s Italian restaurant, which is in Three Weeds.
“He was out for dinner with his wife and another couple at Totti’s restaurant. They had a reservation, they paid for their meal and were leaving. He was on the step with the other couple waiting for his wife to come down the stairs,” he said.
“He was approached by Kent and retreated.
“If this matter ends up in a courtroom, Mr Kent will be subject to very close cross-examination.”
Kent was contacted for comment.
Loading
One of Sydney’s most well-known defence lawyers, Murphy also has a long history of acting for rugby league players in criminal and football matters, from the late Immortal Johnny Raper to Hazem El Masri and members of the Burgess family.
He said the man he was representing over the brawl with Kent had presented himself to police before being charged but had not given a statement. His wife and the couple they were out with had also not been interviewed.
Kent was replaced in his NRL 360 co-hosting chair on Monday night by former England international James Graham.
“Paul Kent is not with us tonight. Paul has been stood down from Fox Sports while an investigation takes place into an incident over the weekend,” said fellow host Braith Anasta in a statement opening the program.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
