‘He nearly killed my dad’: Son’s anger after his father Michael Irlicht was bashed in Brighton

A 29-year-old man is set to face court after a 76-year-old doctor was left bloodied and bruised in a cowardly attack on New Year’s Day.

The son of an elderly Jewish doctor who was cowardly attacked in a Brighton street has slammed Victoria Police’s handling of the incident, claiming that senior officers told him the alleged thug would soon be released back into the public.

Michael Irlicht, 76, was left bloodied and bruised after he attempted to conduct a welfare check on an unconscious man lying on the nature strip near his Bay St property just after 6am on Monday.

On Tuesday, Victoria Police said a 29-year-old man was charged with recklessly cause injury, criminal damage and unlawful assault.

The man was bailed to appear before Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 5 April.

Mr Irlicht’s son, Robert, said the man became aggressive before allegedly physically assaulting the elderly man, who previously served as a general practitioner for Victoria Police members.

“In the guise of being a good Samaritan, the guy picked my father up, slammed him on the ground and started laying into him,” he said.

“He’s pretty banged up.”

The former doctor, who was meant to leave for a holiday on Monday, was bringing in the rubbish bins for himself and neighbours when the attack happened.

He managed to break free and flee back inside his property, but the man allegedly gave chase before smashing a glass window and trying to open the door.

The victim sustained broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder and is recovering in hospital.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police do not believe that this incident is racially motivated.

But Mr Irlicht said he was disgusted after he was allegedly told by a senior officer at Bayside police station that the man would likely be released on summons.

“He nearly killed my dad. He chased my dad. And the police claimed there was no intent. It’s appalling. I’m really disappointed,” he said.

Brighton Liberal MP James Newbury said it was a “disgrace”.

“The incident is horrific and I share the family’s outrage after they were told the attacker would be charged with minor offences and let back out into the community,” he said.

“It’s a disgrace.”

The alleged offender, who is also from Brighton, was on Monday afternoon yet to be interviewed by police.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.