Victorian policeman stood down after allegedly punching 70-year-woman in the face

A police officer has been charged and stood down from the force after allegedly punching an elderly woman while she received treatment at a hospital.

A Victorian police officer has been charged and stood down after he allegedly punched a 70-year-old woman in the face at a Melbourne hospital.

Sylvia Villani alleges she was struck by the officer while she received treatment at the Northern Hospital in Epping in April.

Victoria Police confirmed a 26-year-old constable has since been stood down following an internal investigation.

Ms Villani told Nine she sustained a broken eye socket which was left “black and blue” after the alleged attack.

Sylvia Villani was allegedly punched in the face by a Victorian police officer at the Northern Hospital in Epping. Picture: 9News

Ms Villani said she threw a piece of bread on the ground before the officer allegedly punched her while she was seated in a wheelchair.

“I don’t know why he did it,” she said.

“I did call him some nasty names, I wasn’t happy, (but) I didn’t deserve it.”

Ms Villani claims the assault came out of nowhere.

Her son, Rick Villani, said the family were only notified of the incident after receiving a call from doctors.

He claims he was told three officers attended the hospital for a separate incident before the alleged assault took place.

Mr Villani said he and his family have been left “shattered” and remain “dumbfounded” months after the alleged assault.

“I know my mum’s got mental health, and she’s not perfect,” he said.

The officer has been charged with one count of recklessly causing injury and will appear before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on September 9.

Originally published as Victorian policeman stood down after allegedly punching 70-year-woman in the face