Bashed doctor Mukesh Haikerwal faces attackers in court

UPDATE 1.14pm: BASHED doctor Mukesh Haikerwal has faced his attackers in court after recovering from injuries that almost killed him.

BASHED doctor Mukesh Haikerwal has bravely faced his attackers in court after recovering from head injuries that almost killed him.

Alfer Azzopardi, Michael Baltatzis and Sean Gabriel have admitted attacking Dr Haikerwal and robbing others during a violent spree last year.

The former Australian Medical Association boss was today called to give evidence against the gang, but was spared cross-examination.

Azzopardi, 21, and Baltatzis, 21, have pleaded guilty to 23 armed robberies, 9 attempted armed robberies and a string of assaults over hold-ups in August and September last year.

Gabriel, 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was only involved on the night Dr Haikerwal was hurt.

Victims walking at night were intimidated, threatened with weapons and some were bashed. Most had valuables including phones, cash or iPods stolen.

Azzopardi, the alleged ringleader, denied he swung the baseball bat that cracked the respected GP's skull in a Williamstown park.

His co-accused told police it was Azzopardi but when Baltatzis was called to give evidence refused to confirm it, claiming he would get stabbed in prison if he told.

Judge Jo Gullaci said he saw no sign Baltatzis was sorry in spite of his guilty pleas.

"We sat here for a whole day and watched his unwillingness to co-operate ... how can that be remorse?" the judge asked.

Dr Haikerwal sat in the County Court during today's plea hearing, which was told sentences up to 18 years would be called for by the prosecution.

The hearing is continuing.