Viral train assault brothers in NSW court

Two brothers who handed themselves in after their images went viral on social media have pleaded not guilty to an assault on a Sydney train.

Two brothers whose images went viral after allegedly attacking a man on a Sydney train have pleaded not guilty to the assault.

Connor McKeown, 26, and Gareth McKeown, 28, appeared briefly at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, pleading not guilty to affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company.

Police allege the brothers attacked 48-year-old Paul Roberts as he travelled home from the NRL clash between the Panthers and Bulldogs at Sydney Olympic Park on September 27.

Mr Roberts was allegedly punched in the face numerous times, suffering a broken nose, two black eyes and a cut to his forehead.

He also underwent plastic surgery for a cut to his lip.

The brothers handed themselves in earlier this month after CCTV images of the men posted by police went viral.

Within two hours the post reached 180,000 people and garnered more than 1000 shares, 490 likes and 370 comments.

The pair remain on bail, with the matter expected to return to court in December.


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