NT crime: Gary Fletcher ambushed in Coconut Grove home, left in bloody mess

Gary Fletcher thought he was safe when he returned home from war-torn Mali, only to be savagely ambushed in his Darwin apartment. What he remembers of the attack. Warning: Graphic.

Gary Fletcher was attacked in his Coconut Grove unit.

When Gary Fletcher returned home from working in war-torn Mali, he did not expect to be left for dead after a vicious attack in his Coconut Grove home.

But on February 12 this year, that’s exactly what happened.

On that date, Mr Fletcher was enjoying some well-deserved respite from his overseas job when he was savagely ambushed in his own home.

Mr Fletcher, 60, in recounting the moments before the attack, said he noticed his security screen door had swung open.

As Mr Fletcher went to close the door, his head was suddenly slammed into the wall corner, knocking him out cold, and leaving him in a bloody mess.

“I was knocked unconscious for three hours and woke up in a pool of blood with a deep cut to my forehead, my clothes covered in blood and (I had) no recollection of what happened,” he said.

“I showered, stopped the bleeding and (secured) the apartment.

“I woke up (later) with two policemen standing beside my bed talking to me.”

Gary Fletcher says was left bleeding and unconscious for hours. Photo: Supplied.

The offenders had fled the scene with $300 cash and Mr Fletcher’s mobile phone in hand.

Mr Fletcher said the ordeal had shocked him.

“I work in Mali, I’m used to living behind double razor wire fences with armed security in the exploration camp,” he told the NT News.

“I never expected any dramas at my Darwin apartment, ever – I might be 60, but I’m regarded as a guy that can look after himself and this is the first time I’ve ever been knocked out by anyone other than in an operating theatre.”

Within days of the attack, Mr Fletcher was on a flight back to Mali, stitched up, and feeling worse for wear.

Best mate Richard Crookes said the shocking attack was a stern reminder for Territorians.

“It just shows how easy it can happen,” Mr Crookes said.

“For someone who can defend himself, like Gary, to be left like that makes you wonder what would happen to someone who has a disability or is less capable.”

Mr Crookes said violent attacks in the Top End had become “an everyday thing”.

“Nothing gets changed – there’s no time for the crime, mandatory sentencing doesn’t exist, and you see plenty of people with ankle bracelets – the very people causing the problems.”