A 57-year-old tourist has died following a violent altercation in Phuket, Thailand, after he was allegedly struck in the neck with a karate-style blow during a road rage incident.
The victim, identified as Alan Roger Jolliffe, a British-Australian national originally from Liverpool, was reportedly riding a moped along Prachanukro Road on Wednesday, February 25, when he became involved in a traffic dispute with a Swedish national, Pektas Tuguy Tayyar.
According to reports, the disagreement began after one of the riders allegedly cut in front of the other, leading to a heated exchange.
Closed-circuit television footage later captured the confrontation escalating in an alley near Malin Plaza market. It also shows the exact moment Tayyar delivered the deadly karate chop.
A woman, believed to be Tayyar’s girlfriend, was seen attempting to separate the two men during the argument.
Authorities alleged that Tayyar struck Jolliffe in the neck with a forceful blow, causing him to collapse and lose consciousness.
He was rushed to Patong Hospital and subsequently transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Patong District Police said they were notified of the death at about 11 p.m. on Wednesday. A manhunt was immediately launched, leading to Tayyar’s arrest in the neighbouring Kathu district in the early hours of Thursday, February 26.
Police confirmed that the suspect has been charged with assault resulting in death. He was reportedly photographed in custody after allegedly admitting to striking the victim.
The Superintendent of Patong District Police, Korakrit Khankruea, said the Australian embassy had been informed to assist in contacting the deceased’s family.
“The suspect admitted to hitting the victim. He was taken to court for detention in the morning, and bail was denied,” Khankruea stated, adding that the case file had been forwarded for further legal proceedings.
Authorities say investigations into the incident are ongoing.
See the scene here.
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