Pub assault leaves victim with PTSD, unable to work; attacker avoids prison
A victim of a pub beating can no longer work due to lasting brain injuries and anxiety. His attacker pleaded guilty but did not go to prison.
A man was repeatedly kicked to the head and torso while lying unconscious outside Kyneton's Albion Hotel around 12:15am on May 3, 2024. The victim was taken to hospital with a broken eye socket and fractured ribs.
Months later, he told court he gets tension in his head now that he didn't have before, has lost short-term memory, and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. He can no longer work.
Justin Evans, 25, an asphalter from Woodend, pleaded guilty to affray and recklessly causing injury over his role in the assault. He was not sentenced to prison, partly because of court delays that stretched 28 months.
His lawyer said Evans had not come to police attention since the incident and had given up drinking since his brother died.
- Justin Evans, 25, asphalter from Woodend
- Attacker's details
- 28 months between incident and guilty plea
- Court delay
Why it mattersThe victim's life has been permanently altered by lasting injuries, while the attacker's sentence was delayed by court backlogs.
AustraliaA regional Victorian case showing how delayed court proceedings can affect sentencing outcomes in serious assault cases.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 d ago
