Man filmed in disgusting, violent act against sleeping homeless woman in Adelaide

The man behind the unprovoked attack on a homeless woman in an Adelaide’s CBD could be heard laughing at his actions on the video.

A man has been filmed in a senseless and cruel attack on a woman sleeping rough outside a medical clinic in Adelaide.

The footage shows the man hurling a glass bottle at the woman – who is lying on the ground and covered by a blanket – before getting in a car and driving off.

The bottle can be heard shattering as it hits the wall above the woman’s head.

The man can be heard laughing.

Hutt Street Centre chief executive Chris Burns, who has seen the video, said violence was a “harsh reality for many people experiencing homelessness”.

He said that was especially true for women, many of whom found themselves homeless after escaping domestic violence.

“It is deeply disheartening to witness such a senseless and cruel attack on a vulnerable person, especially while they are sleeping,” he told The Advertiser.

He said, in the past year, the centre had experienced a 30 per cent increase in demand for services.

“We will continue to be relentless in our commitment to end homelessness to all those who walk through our doors.”

The centre was trying to identify the woman to offer support.

Catherine House engagement manager Jaylee Cooper likewise said the footage was “incredibly distressing”.

“Our thoughts are with this woman – who will likely be incredibly traumatised by this experience – and others who are in similar vulnerable situations,” she said.

She agreed the number of SA women experiencing homelessness was continuing to increase.

“As a community, we need to be providing more services and support, through crisis accommodation and longer-term housing strategies across South Australia.”

A police spokesperson said the attack was not reported at the time, but an investigation has since been launched.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.