Homeless man charged after American musician bashed in Preston car park
A homeless man on bail has been charged over the bashing of an American tourist in a Preston car park that left him with memory loss, bleeding to the brain and a broken jaw.
The 27-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Tuesday morning and later charged.
He is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday night charged with intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, committing violence on bail and other assault-related offences.
The arrest comes nearly a week after a 32-year-old man who had performed at a concert was beaten after getting off a tram near Bell Street and Plenty Road about 11.20pm on Wednesday.
He was followed and chased through the car park, before allegedly being hit repeatedly to the head and face and falling unconscious.
Police said his attacker stood over the man and taunted him.
The musician lay on the ground for about 20 minutes. Once he regained consciousness he got to his feet and walked to Bell Street where a passerby called for an ambulance.
The man required brain surgery to treat internal bleeding and facial surgery for his broken jaw.
He remains in hospital and can not recall the assault due to serious memory loss.
The victim was due to fly home to America on Saturday.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au