No memory of brutal New Year's coward attack

Josh Leighton has had a horror start to 2019, after a brutal, unprovoked attack left him in hospital with a significant head injury and no memory what happened.

Josh Leighton was walking from Alex Surf club to watch the fireworks at Mooloolaba on New Year's Eve when he was coward punched in an unprovoked attack. He's still in hospital with multiple head fractures and bleeding to the brain, and has no memory of what happened.

A SUNSHINE Coast man has had a horror start to 2019, after a brutal attack left him in hospital with a significant head injury and no memory of what happened.

Josh Leighton was walking to Mooloolaba to meet his wife, Stephanie, for the midnight fireworks on Monday, but the 35-year-old never made it in time to celebrate the new year.

An unprovoked coward punch left him lying in a carpark with a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain.

The 35-year-old left a birthday party at Alex Surf Club just after 11.30pm and was attacked from behind at the war memorial on Alexandra Pde about 11.45pm.

He has no memory of the attack, only waking up on the concrete surrounded by paramedics.

"When I left the surf club I was alone,” he said.

"After leaving ... I don't remember anything until there was paramedics all around me.”

General manager of Alex Surf Club Ashley Robinson said there was a group celebrating a birthday on New Year's Eve, but there was no disorderly behaviour.

Josh Leighton was walking from Alex Surf club to watch the fireworks at Mooloolaba on New Years Eve when he was bashed in an unprovoked attack. Josh with his wife Stephine Leighton.

A Queensland Police spokesman said officers responded to an incident at 11.45pm where a man had been king hit.

Mr Leighton had serious head injuries, but a Queensland Ambulance spokesman said when paramedics arrived he was conscious and talking to bystanders.

He was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.

"I've been in hospital ever since,” he said from his bed on Wednesday.

"I have multiple head fractures and bleeding on the brain.

"Apart from [being surrounded by paramedics], I remember the night up until then, and I remember everything since I've been to the hospital.”

Despite his horrific start to the new year, Mr Leighton said he was "doing fairly well”.

"They have pretty good pain killers here,” he said.

Mr Leighton is yet to talk to police and the attacker has not been found.

Anyone who witnessed the attack is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.