Tristan Heather, 18, was originally charged with grievous bodily harm after 40-year-old Trevor Duroux was left fighting for his life after an attack outside the Coolangatta Hotel in the early hours of December 4, last year.

However, Mr Duroux, from Moree, later died in hospital and Heather's charge was upgraded to unlawful striking causing death.

Heather, who had been working as a factory hand with his uncle at a Gold Coast glass company, was released on Supreme Court bail on April 1 to live with family on the Gold Coast.

But last month, Channel 9 reported that Heather was taken into immigration detention and will remain there until his next court appearance.

Police allege the teen was involved in a fight with a group of people outside the hotel at the intersection of Warner St and Marine Parade.

Heather had been celebrating his 18th birthday only three days earlier.

He told the court that he intends to rely on the defence that he was coming to the aid of a workmate.

Onlookers performed CPR at the scene after Mr Duroux’s heart stopped.

He was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition with sustained fractures to his face and jaw. 

He died 10 days later.