Kerry Kourpanidis sentenced over manslaughter of Warren Hordpenko in Canberra

·

It was a brazen attack: 16 seconds of fury that led to the death of Warren Hordpenko in Canberra’s Kingston Hotel in July last year.

Kerry Kourpanidis, 36, has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years jail for manslaughter after bashing Mr Hordpenko at the pub, the ABC reports.

Hours before the killing, Kourpanidis had been at the hotel with his partner, his brother and his six-year-old daughter, when a drunk Mr Hordpenko approached the group.

The 44-year-old had been drinking alone most of the afternoon and had been asked to leave after harassing a patron.

Court documents show he spent some time talking with the family, during which he told the little girl she had perfect eyes, perfect lips and a beautiful nose, and then touched her on the face.

Kourpanidis, his partner and daughter left the pub, but when they arrived home Kourpanidis’ partner criticised him for not standing up to Mr Hordpenko.

The father then left the home, got into his car and drove back to the hotel.

Kourpanidis surprised Mr Hordpenko in the pool room, tackled him and repeatedly punched him in the head until he fell unconscious. Kourpanidis then immediately left.

The frenzied attack took just 16 seconds, and although he only caused superficial damage to Mr Hordpenko’s face and head, Kourpanidis also hit a critical blood vessel, causing death.

Justice Michael Elkaim said the attack was brutal and included the targeting of the head.

‘Tragic tale of two decent men’: judge

Before a packed court, family members of Mr Hordpenko gave emotional impact statements to the court.

Mr Hordpenko’s mother said her son “was a person that wouldn’t have harmed anyone”.

His father said that he was an honest, hard working man “dearly loved by all his family” and a loyal friend.

Kourpanidis’s family and friends told the court the attack was out of character, and that he was a caring and loving father.

Justice Elkaim sentenced Kourpanidis to seven-and-a-half years jail, with a non-parole period of three years and nine months.

*Source: ABC, Canberra Times

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Spurs sack Ange Postecoglou despite Europa League glory

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Ange Postecoglou will not continue as manager next season, despite ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought with a Europa...

Meet TIFFANY: The Greek Australian artist making waves in RnB

Are you looking for your new favourite Greek artist who combines unique sounds of RnB, house and EDM music?

Heirs of a Greek inheritance: Most common problems to deal with

There are many people of Greek descent all over the world whose parents or other close relatives had properties in Greece.

Niki Louca shares her family favourite Indokaridopita (coconut cake) recipe

It is a cake her aunty Panayiota used to make often in years gone by, and one she hasn’t had for a long time.

Naz Vardar to give Melbourne seminar on shaping Vlach identity

The focus lies on the story of a Vlach priest navigating his way within the local Vlach community in Manastir (Bitola).

You May Also Like

Giannis Poulopoulos: The legendary Greek singer and songwriter

Giannis Poulopoulos was a Greek singer-songwriter, who had several hits in Greece during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

Greek court imprisons far-right Golden Dawn party leadership

Nikos Michaloliakos and another five former lawmakers received 13-year prison sentences, while a sixth was sentenced to 10 years.

Hellenic Club of Canberra sells Melbourne office block for $25 million

The Hellenic Club of Canberra has sold an office block in the southwestern Melbourne suburb of Williams Landing for just over $25 million.