Kiwi in backpacker attack case arrives in Sydney

A New Zealander has arrived in Sydney on a flight from Darwin to face court over an attack that left an Irish backpacker with brain damage.

Kane Desmond Tupuolamoui, 21, is expected to appear in Waverly Local Court today, where he will be formally charged over an attack on David Keohane on August 9, 2008.

He was arrested by NSW detectives at a house in Leanyer, in Darwin's northern suburbs yesterday after a tip-off from the public.

The arrest follows a two-month nationwide search.

Tupuolamoui appeared in Darwin Magistrate's Court yesterday, where magistrate Daynor Trigg granted an application for his extradition to Sydney.

Escorted by NSW detectives, he arrived at Sydney airport at 6.45am (local time) today, police said in a statement.

He was then taken to Maroubra police station on a warrant for the offence of inflict grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.

Mr Keohane, 29, was discovered lying on the ground at Coogee, in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The flooring contractor, who was living and working in Sydney, had been punched in the head about 14 times.

Mr Keohane was treated for multiple head injuries and facial fractures at Prince of Wales Hospital, where he was unconscious for 218 days.

He was taken back to his home in County Cork by his family in September 2009, where he spent more time in hospital.

The attack left him with permanent brain damage and confined to a wheelchair.

- AAP