Bashed former Geelong player Paul Brown calls for coward’s punch laws
FORMER AFL player Paul Brown has urged the government to introduce coward’s punch laws after a thug who bashed him was jailed for six years.
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FORMER AFL player Paul Brown has urged the government to introduce coward’s punch laws after a thug who bashed him was jailed for six years.
Mohammad Al Wahame, 19, pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury to Mr Brown outside a Shepparton kebab shop on October 30 last year and was jailed today at the Victorian County Court.
The attack left Mr Brown fighting for his life and with an acquired brain injury.
The former Geelong player said he hoped nobody else would suffer a similar attack and urged the government to consider one punch laws that have been adopted interstate.
“I don’t remember anything. It’s affected me. I wasn’t able to drive for approximately six months,” Mr Brown said.
“With an acquired brain injury I was one of the lucky ones, I’m still here. I’ve been unable to work for long periods... My battery never really fully charges.”
Mr Brown, who played 84 games for the the Cats, discovered he had an unrelated brain tumour through tests he had as a result of the assault.
“I innocently interrupted a man who was having an argument with his girlfriend... and I’ve received a blow. The only thing I remember is waking up off the plane at Essendon Airport,” he said.
“It is a cowardly act. It wasn’t like he was intimidated by me. It’s unfortunate that it’s happening quite a lot in society at the minute. Just the mindless action of wanting to harm someone for no reason at all.”
“(Law change) is something that needs to be looked at to send a message to offenders. It’s not the thing to do. It’s unaustralian for this to happen... I do believe there are laws in NSW that are mandatory for coward punches, and maybe there should be something that is put in place (here).”
Al Wahame must serve at least four and half years before being eligible for parole.