Tyson Kyle Smith: South Mandurah Football Club player given prison term over Northbridge one punch attack

A talented Mandurah footy player who knocked a man unconscious in Northbridge last year was saved from an immediate term of imprisonment on Friday due to his youth. Tyson Kyle Smith pleaded guilty at Mandurah Magistrates Court earlier this year to assault occasioning bodily harm. On Friday, Smith faced sentencing for the coward’s punch described by Magistrate Claire Cullen as a “black event”. Police prosecutor Snr. Cons. Jessica Anderson told the court that Smith was in Northbridge on October 6 last year, outside China Bar, talking to the victim. The conversation took a turn, and Smith punched the victim in his face, knocking him unconscious. As the man fell to the ground, Smith took a swing at him again, before leaving him on the footpath and fleeing the scene. After his arrest, Smith told police the victim “blew smoke in his face”. Smith was also sentenced for driving without a licence on November 19 in Mandurah. His lawyer, Michelle Cox, argued for a hefty fine for her 19-year-old client to be paid to the victim. Ms Cox said since his arrest, Smith, who won best and fairest at South Mandurah Football Club in 2024, had been vocal around the club about the dangers of alcohol. “It’s a significant black mark against his name,” Ms Cox added. “He’s now got two serious convictions on his record where alcohol is a factor, and he’s committed to straight out sobriety because he can’t handle it.” Magistrate Claire Cullen shook her head, adding: “I understand what you’re saying, making that submission, but this conduct occurs every weekend in Northbridge, and people die. “It doesn’t seem to me that young men are getting the message not to clock people in Northbridge.” Ms Cullen said prison was the only option and sentenced Smith to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months. Smith was also fined $400 for the driving offence.