Suliman Suliman, Khaled Haddara admit to attack on Kevin Vidovic

A Melbourne man who delivered a knockout blow on a night out in Southbank left his victim with “catastrophic” disabilities that have changed his life forever.

A year after the attack, Kevin Vidovic still can’t speak, move his head or swallow on his own.

A coward punch attacker has confessed to the violent blow that destroyed a young man’s life.

Suliman Suliman and Khaled Haddara faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged over the Southbank street attack that left 25-year-old Kevin Vidovic with lifelong disabilities.

The court was shown harrowing footage of Suliman punching Mr Vidovic in the head from behind before the final blow that caused him to fall and crack his head on the concrete.

Haddara was also seen in the affray, attempting to strike Mr Vidovic several times before the knockout blow by Suliman that changed his life forever.

The court heard the attack along Riverside Quay in the early hours of October 30, 2022 had “truly catastrophic” consequences for Mr Vidovic, who suffered two major subdural brain haemorrhages.

Kevin Vidovic fell and cracked his head after being punched from behind.

Vidovic has been left with permanent disabilities following the attack in October 2022.

Medical reports submitted by Mr Vidovic’s doctor stated he is unable to speak, move his eyes or head and requires suctioning when swallowing.

The report states he is “likely to have a short life expectancy, slow, incomplete recovery over many years without ever being fully functional again”.

“There is a need for total assistance in all aspects of living,” the report added.

Several men were involved in the chaotic affray witnessed by terrified onlookers.

A witness statement read out in court said Mr Vidovic, from Springvale, attempted to defend himself prior to the king-hit.

Suliman Suliman leaves the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to a string of charges. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Khaled Haddara pleaded guilty to affray and assault charges over the incident. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“(Mr Vidovic’s) eyes rolled back and he fell straight back into concrete, hitting his head. That’s when I heard a splatter sound and I thought Kevin is dead,” the witness said.

Two of Mr Vidovic’s friends – also aged 25 – were injured in the affray and required facial surgery.

Lawyers for Suliman and Haddara argued for their matters to be dealt with in the magistrates’ court.

Magistrate Malcolm Thomas regarded the offending by Suliman too serious for the jurisdiction.

“A family has lost their son, the son they knew,” he said.

Suliman, who pleaded guilty to recklessly causing serious injury, affray and two counts of assault, will face the County Court on May 14, 2024.

Mr Thomas accepted Haddara had a far less serious role in the incident as there was no evidence he actually struck or injured anyone.

Haddara, who pleaded guilty to charges of affray and assault, will return to the magistrates’ court on November 15.

A fundraiser by Mr Vidovic’s family, who flew from Poland and Croatia to be at his bedside, has generated more than $30k for recovery and medical expenses.