The owners of gay nightclub Cube in Canberra are being sued by the partner of a 23 year old man who was stabbed to death in a fight outside the venue three years ago.

The Canberra Times report that Patricia Soledad Gaete is taking action over the death of David Nato Seuala, her partner and father of her two children, who died August 4, 2006.

Seuala died from stab wounds in Canberra Hospital three weeks after a fight broke out with him and four friends against Cube owner Maurizio Rao and bouncer Adam Street outside the venue.

The fight broke out at 4.30am on July 15, 2006 when Seuala and four of his friends were refused entry to Cube because of their heavily intoxicated state. According to witnesses the five men threatened to “bash poofs” if they weren’t let in. When they eventually agreed to leave the area, it is alleged that Rao said a racist remark. One witness told the court that they thought Rao would die from the beating. He eventually produced a knife and stabbed Seuala.

Rao was eventually cleared of murder charges because it was proven that he acted in self-defence.

Gaete’s lawyers are claiming that Cube was responsible for Seuala’s death for allowing their security guards to fight with patrons and to carry weapons. Lawyers for the security company XL deny any liability or negligence.

Gaete is seeking more than $850,000 in damages. The case is due to be heard later this month.