Homeless man Sean McLachlan accused of brutal attack 92-year-old woman outside Williamstown Coles

The 92-year-old victim of a horrendous daylight assault in Williamstown says she woke surrounded by police, ambos and good Samaritans, as the man accused of the crime told a magistrate to “f**k off”.

The 92-year-old victim of a horrendous daylight assault that has shocked Melbourne says she has no memory of the unprovoked attack.

The elderly victim, who was allegedly floored by a homeless man outside a Coles supermarket in Williamstown, is recovering at home after she was discharged from Western Hospital Footscray on Thursday.

Barbara said she was extremely shaken and has virtually no memory of the assault in which she was punched and thrown to the ground as she used a walking frame to make her way down Douglas Parade in Melbourne’s west.

“I wish to thank all those who have been so caring of me,” she said in a statement.

“I remember nothing of the actual incident but when I woke up I was surrounded by the police and ambulance and caring onlookers.

“I wish to thank everyone for their concern.

“I’m pleased to go home as I have a loving family and supportive friends.”

Barbara, 92, was attacked outside the Coles on Douglas Parade. Picture: Supplied

Homeless man Sean McLachlan has been charged over the attack. Picture: Supplied

Barbara’s alleged attacker, Sean McLachlan, of no fixed address, told a magistrate to “f--k off” during a heated exchange in court on Thursday.

Dressed in a white T-shirt, the 39-year-old appeared briefly at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court nearly 24 hours after he was accused of viciously attacking Barbara about 12:20pm on Wednesday.

He has been charged with intentionally causing injury.

When asked by Magistrate Bernard FitzGerald if he had spoken to a lawyer, Mr McLachlan muttered “yes” but was not heard by His Honour and was asked again.

Frustrated by the repeated question the accused replied: “I just said I’ve already f--king spoken to (a lawyer), are you deaf? Are your ears painted on?”

When asked what he hoped would happen today, Mr McLachlan replied “f--k off”.

He did not apply for bail.

His matter was adjourned for a week for him to get legal representation.

Sean McLachlan told a magistrate to ‘f--k off’ during a heated exchange in court on Thursday. Picture: Supplied

Shocking CCTV footage captures the attack.

The footage, posted to Facebook, shows a man, who appears to be carrying a blanket over his shoulder, approach Barbara.

She pauses as the man walks up to her before he uses his left arm to strike her across her upper chest, knocking her backwards.

The man continues the alleged assault by dragging her to the ground.

Barbara was unable to use her arms to break her fall and hit the ground on her back.

She was concussed by the attack and taken to Western Hospital Footscray with upper body injuries.

She was discharged from hospital on Thursday morning.

The alleged offender was restrained by members of the public until police arrived.

Senior Victorian minister Mary-Anne Thomas branded the attack “shocking”, saying she was “absolutely horrified” by the footage.

“I did see the video and I was horrified,” she said on Thursday.

Ms Thomas thanked police for swiftly identifying and locating the alleged offender.

Fellow Williamstown locals were stunned when shown the footage of the alleged assault on Barbara.

“That is appalling, disgusting,” one elderly man told the Herald Sun.

The attack happened outside the Coles in Williamstown on Wednesday afternoon. Picture: David Crosling

Another woman said: “That’s very disturbing. I can’t imagine someone would do something like that.”

Darlia Porto said the footage worried her immensely.

“I think it’s very frightening for elderly people, I’m one of them,” she said.

“When you see something like that, it’s a bit concerning.”

Yet another Williamstown local said the incident would leave a mark on her suburb.

“It’s pretty terrible, we have a lot of older people living here and they should feel safe,” she said.

“It’s a bit unnerving — I’ve lived here a long time and I would say (the safety) has probably shifted in the last few years.

“Outside Coles, you should be pretty safe, you shouldn’t really have to deal with that.”

Mr McLachlan is known to several of Williamstown’s locals and traders over previous alleged incidents.

The victim said she remembers waking up surrounded by police. Picture: David Crosling

Barb Johnson, who used to care for Mr McLachlan, said he is currently suffering from Huntington’s disease — a disease that slowly damages the brain.

Ms Johnson, who knew his father well before he died of the same condition, said the accused needed serious help.

She has known the accused for about 15 years.

“I feel very sad, sad for the lady… and I feel sad for Sean, because I know he’s very sick,” she said.

“He really does need to be committed to a proper home where they deal with Huntington’s disease.

“It’s not something he can always manage, it’s getting worse. I watched his dad die from it, so I know how bad it gets… he’s deteriorating rather rapidly.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Homeless man Sean McLachlan accused of brutal attack 92-year-old woman outside Williamstown Coles