An Antrim man who has been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm to his brother in Sydney has been released on bail.

Barry Lyttle (33) appeared in court earlier today. His father (74) was present for the hearing.

Patrick Lyttle (31) is recovering in the Intensive Care Unit at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, following an alleged single punch assault which left him in a critical condition.

Barry Lyttle and his father, Oliver, arrived in Australia just days ago to visit the backpacker.

Australian media is reporting that Barry Lyttle will escape the highly controversial mandatory minimum sentence if convicted, because his drunkenness did not meet the legal threshold.

Barry was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and would have faced a minimum four years in jail - however, police said he blew a low-range alcohol reading.

Ashlee Brown is a reporter for Seven News in Sydney.

She told Newstalk Breakfast the family is shattered by the incident.