Langwarrin man seriously injured in brutal, unprovoked attack outside a Mornington hotel
AN EXPECTANT father had half his ear ripped off in a vicious gang bashing in Mornington at the weekend.
The 24-year-old builder also suffered a broken eye socket, nose and cheekbone, as well as bruising to his head, in the brutal and unprovoked assault.
An investigator said the Langwarrin man, who did not want to be identified, was extremely lucky to not have sustained even more serious injuries.
“This was a disgusting, vicious and cowardly assault,” said Mornington Peninsula crime investigation unit detective Senior-Constable Paul Smith.
Police are now reviewing security camera footage from The Bay Hotel and shops in the Main St arcade, where the bashing took place in the early hours of Saturday, November 5.
The victim’s mother, who lives in Mornington, said her son remembered little about the attack, which happened soon after he and two friends left the hotel.
She said bouncers told a “gang” that was causing trouble, along with her son and his two friends, to leave the hotel.
Sen-Constable Paul Smith said about 10 men immediately chased Jack and his friends.
“They set upon them, chased them across the carpark and eventually into the mall area,” he said.
“The assault was really nasty, vicious and unprovoked.
“They were extremely lucky to have not suffered more serious injuries.”
He said the offenders, who were described as being of Islander appearance, were likely to face serious charges including recklessly and intentionally causing serious injury.
The woman said one of her son’s friends was initially knocked out, but regained consciousness and tried to stop the assault.
“The friend threw himself over (my son) to stop them kicking his head,” she said.
“(My son) was gasping and then suddenly stopped, so his friend thought he was dead.
“The attackers then ran off.”
The man, whose partner is expecting a baby in January, spent two days in Frankston Hospital and will see a plastic surgeon this week for his ear injury.
“I’ve heard that those other boys were just looking for a fight,” the woman said.
“The police are doing a great job, but the offenders will probably just get a slap on the wrist from the courts.”
Sen-Constable Smith said he was keen to hear from witnesses or anybody with information.
People should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.