Police said a 51-year-old man suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain after he was punched in the head at the Grand Junction Hotel.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but Port Stephens Hunter acting crime manager Detective Sergeant Mitch Dubojski said it was “highly likely” the charge would be upgraded depending on the full extent of the victim’s injuries.

Police said it all started when an altercation broke out at the pub about 8pm Friday night.

The 51-year-old was then punched in the side of the head, which knocked him unconscious. Paramedics attended and took him to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent surgery.

Police were also called out and with the help of staff and witnesses, arrested an 18-year-old man at Maitland Train Station a short time after.

Sergeant Dubojski said the 18-year-old was subjected to proceedings under the recently reformed Section 25A of the Crimes Act, which relates to one-punch deaths. However the victim is now stable and “improving day by day”.

The 18-year-old was granted conditional bail to appear before Maitland Local Court on November 28.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Police would like to speak to any witnesses who may have further information.

Sergeant Dubojski used the incident as a warning ahead of the summer months where more people will be out drinking.

“Be patient with each other,” he said. “Don’t take matters into your own hands.”

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