Frankston public toilet attack: Teens arrested after Comfort Station cleaner targeted alleged gang bashing
Two teenagers — one aged just 13 years old — have been arrested after a public toilet cleaner was allegedly gang bashed in Frankston.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two teenagers have been arrested over the alleged gang bashing of a public toilet cleaner at Frankston.
A 13-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy were charged with affray, assault in company, unlawful assault and criminal damage, a Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed on Thursday.
The 13-year-old remains in custody and the 16-year-old has been released on bail, with investigators searching for others who may have been involved.
It comes after 35-year-old cleaner Paul, who did not supply his surname in fear of retribution, was left in fear of his life and unable to support his family after he was allegedly attacked while cleaning the Frankston Comfort Station about 3.45pm January 28.
On Wednesday Paul told the Leader he was cornered by a number of youths who made their way inside the Playne St block — a homeless shower facility which was locked to the public — after leaving to get some toilet paper from his van.
“They cornered me and tried to punch me … I said I didn’t want to fight, I just want to do my job and leave,” Paul said.
“I pushed my way through and walked out … the last thing I remember is feeling someone push me to the ground from behind.”
Up to 15 teens allegedly laid punches and kicks into the helpless father as his wife, who had been taking a break in the couple’s van, watched on in horror.
Members of the public chased the teens off following the five minute ordeal, which left Paul unconscious and in a neck brace.
Paramedics rushed him to Frankston Hospital where he was admitted overnight and treated for a swollen jaw, abrasion near his eye and sore head.
The thugs also allegedly smashed Paul’s van and his electronic headset.
Paul and his wife, who work as subcontractors cleaning various public assets across Frankston, have now been left feeling too frightened to return to the job and without an income to support their five-year-old daughter.
“My whole body is sore … I haven’t left my bedroom and my wife is too scared to go back,” he said.
“We’re subcontractors so we have no sick leave … I don’t know what to do. I spoke to my boss but he can’t help us.”
Paul, who reported the incident to Victoria Police, said the couple was regularly shouted and sworn at while on the job.
“It’s not only me who has been attacked, there’s a lot of people in the area getting bashed.”
The Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed both children would front a Children’s Court at a later date.
“The victim was allegedly punched several times to the head before being thrown to the ground and further assaulted. the teens fled the scene,” the woman said.
“The investigation remains ongoing.”
