Dog-walker left with permanent brain damage after vicious street attack
A MAN was left with brain damage and had to learn to walk and talk again after he was attacked from behind while walking his dog in western Victoria.
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A MAN walking his dog in western Victoria has been struck from behind in a callous attack, leaving him with permanent brain injuries.
The man, 59, was struck in the back of the head while walking his dog on Barkly St, Ararat on July 1.
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The man suffered a fracture to the back of his skull and bleeding to both frontal lobes of his brain.
He underwent multiple surgeries and required help to breathe as he went in and out of a coma for a month at the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s ICU.
A family member, who did not want to be identified, said the father now lives in fear and will never be the same again.
“He’s fearful because he’s been attacked and his attacker is still out there,” said the family member.
“He had to learn how to walk, talk and eat again.
“As a result he has no sense of smell or taste.”
The female relative said it was incredible traumatic watching the father “hang on for dear life” in hospital.
His memory is slowing coming back, she said.
“We were in complete shock and horrified.
“He is improving, he will be somewhat damaged for the result of his life.”
The woman implored his attacker/s to come forward.
“If you have any conscience, come forward because someone nearly died because of your actions.”
CCTV footage shows a person walking from the scene after the attack.
Ararat Detective Senior Constable Caroline Blackley said it was unclear whether the attack was targeted or random.
Early indications suggest a local person or people attacked the man and left him for dead.
“No one should be put through this … to be walking down the street and be in fear of that,” said Det Sen Con Blackley.
“It’s been horrific (for the family). It put them through a lot of stress and heartache. There moments we thought it was touch and go.”
A woman saw the injured man and called triple-zero, but she left the scene before police arrived.
Police believe a man and woman fled the scene after the attack.
The victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition and remained in intensive care for 28 days.
One of the victim’s relatives spoke to the media today, alongside police, in a bid to find the attackers.
Police urge anyone with information on the attack, as well as the woman who called triple-zero, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.