Policeman “could not help” each other during St Kilda bashing
Policeman recounts the harrowing moment he “woke up” lying face first on the ground after a group of violent thugs set upon him from behind in St Kilda.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A policeman has recalled the moment he “woke up” lying face first on the bitumen as a group of thugs violently smashed his head into the ground, a court has heard.
Senior Constable Darren Shepherd said moments after he regained consciousness after being attacked from behind, he was repeatedly punched in the head while the group “rag dolled” him in the middle of Fitzroy St, St Kilda shortly after 3am on February 24.
The policeman was dragged up by his arms, rupturing his bicep and causing permanent damage, while attempting to arrest one of the men.
He has been unable to return to work since the alleged attack.
The accused — Jack Houldcroft, 27, his fiancee Kayla Potts, 25, her brother Trent, 26, their cousin Phillip O’Donnell, 38, as well as Jules Tobin, 22, and Jake Mitchell, 27, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court charged over the sickening assault.
The group, who are all on bail, smirked and snickered as details of the alleged incident were read to the court.
They have pleaded not guilty.
Snr-Con Shepherd and his partner, Senior Constable Adam McKenzie were called to the scene after reports Mr Potts, had allegedly assaulted a transgender woman after leaving nearby nightclub after celebrating a 30th birthday party.
As the officers attempted to stop him from leaving in a taxi, the young man fled, sparking a vicious all-in brawl, a court has heard.
The group yelled “dog c---s and copper c---s” as they set upon the two officers, court documents allege.
Statements tendered to the court reveal how the two officers felt powerless to help one another during the alleged affray.
“I remember seeing two people on top of (Shepherd) … I felt useless that I could not help him,” Snr-Con McKenzie said.
The officer was left with bruising and cuts after he was kicked and punched by the men while trying to restrain Mr Potts.
While on the ground, Ms Potts, who is pregnant, grabbed Snr-Con McKenzie from behind who turned and hit her in the face with his torch.
Both officers said it was unclear exactly who was punching and kicking them at all times, describing it as a “hectic” situation.
MORE NEWS
ST KILDA LEGEND FRAWLEY KILLED IN CRASH
‘SEXUAL’ DESTINATION WHERE TEMPTATION RULES
The group have been charged with several offences including intentionally cause injury in circumstances of gross violence, affray and assault.
All six accused have also been charged with assaulting an emergency worker on duty which carries a mandatory minimum six month jail term.
The group were supported by dozens of family and friends in court.
The hearing before Magistrate Peter Reardon continues.