Man charged for attacking cancer patient who refused to share cigarettes

A cancer patient taking a break from treatment was bashed by another man yesterday when he refused to share a cigarette.

A cancer patient has been bashed outside hospital.

A man has been charged for a assaulting a cancer patient after refusing to give the attacker a cigarette.

Police allege a 35-year-old man receiving cancer treatment at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst was thrown to the ground at 10.15am on Friday after refusing a request by another man who wanted a smoke.

The patient had left hospital grounds for a break between treatments before being approached by the alleged attacker.

After refusing the man’s request, the attacker grabbed the patient's IV tubes and ripped them out, before throwing him to the ground and repeatedly punching and kicking him in the stomach.

A nurse witnessed the event calling for the attacker to stop, which prompted a group of medical staff to intervene.

The attacker bolted from the area, entering Green Park and was later arrested by Kings Cross police after a brief struggle.

The man was charged at Kings Cross Police Station for aggravated assault and the intent to rob and cause bodily harm

He has been refused bail and is expected to appear in the Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.

The patient suffered internal injuries is being treated at St Vincent’s Hospital.