The defendant accused of fracturing a man’s skull outside of a Bronx restaurant in 2022 appeared in front of a judge at the Bronx County Hall of Justice on Monday.  

Bui Van Phu faces a charge of second-degree assault with intent to cause serious physical injury. He pleaded not guilty for allegedly punching a man in the back of the head.  

MORE: ALERT CENTER: Man in critical condition after unprovoked attack in Fordham Heights

The incident was caught on camera in August 2022. A man can be seen punching the back of 52-year-old Jesus Cortes’ head. The alleged assault took place outside of Fuego Tipico Restaurant on the Grand Concourse.  

 The judge adjourned Monday’s hearing after discussions for a plea deal fell flat. Van Phu’s attorney from the Legal Aid Society said there was another pending legal matter that needed to be sorted out before a decision on a plea deal could be made.