Pakenham man attacked by youth gang near train station speaks out
A PAKENHAM man bashed by a gang for his groceries was thrown into the pavement so hard he had to undergo hours of shoulder reconstruction surgery.
South East
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A PAKENHAM man bashed by a gang for his groceries has spoken about the terrifying ordeal, which left him physically and emotionally traumatised.
The man, whose identity the Leader has chosen to protect, was returning from work on Friday July 13 about 7.30pm, when he was set upon by a gang of youths about 100m from the train station, near the back fence of his home.
The three males were believed to be of African appearance, and all wearing dark hoodies.
They threw him to the ground and punched and kicked him, shattering his shoulder so badly he had to undergo six hours of reconstructive surgery. His shoulder may still need to be replaced.
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After the attack, they left him lying on the pavement and ran off with his bag containing groceries and work gear.
“It happened so fast,” he said.
“They were tall and dark-skinned and came from all directions, like a swarm of bees.”
The man said he was left wondering why the youths had committed the “brutal act”.
“While I don’t feel malice or bitterness over what’s happened, this is an absolute tragedy,” he said.
“I want to know why it happened because it’s the only way I can heal.”
The man praised emergency services, and his friends for helping him through the trauma.
“The police have been fantastic, as have been the ambulance officers, nurses and doctors, in
particular the surgeon at Dandenong Hospital who performed miraculous work,” he said.
“My friends have been absolutely brilliant.”
Leading Senior Constable Kendra Jackson said police were investigating the assault and robbery.
She said three to four men attacked a man as he walked along a path near Charles St.
“The offenders continued to assault the man while he was on the ground and stole a bag containing clothes and umbrella,” Sen-Constable Jackson said.
“The males, who are perceived to be of African appearance, then ran off along the path and were last seen on Thomas St.
“They were wearing dark clothing believed to be hooded jumpers.”
All were more than 187cm tall and are believed to aged in their early 20s.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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