Late night violence spills into community
Police are searching for two men after a violent late-night attack before Christmas, involving a Melbourne man and his boyfriend.
Although not being investigated as a homophobic attack, the couple said they felt unfairly targeted in the scuffle because they were gay.
According to police the incident occurred around 5.30am on December 23 outside popular St Kilda nightclub Tongue & Groove.
Matthew Cook and his partner Chris James were having drinks with friends. As they left the venue, a group of four men set upon Cook. The men then kicked the car James was in before turning on him. They fled when police arrived.
Police have arrested two men in connection with the crime, but are still looking for the remaining offenders.
One man has been remanded in custody.
Cook contacted Southern Star to warn others of the dangers on Melbourne’s streets late at night.
-艙We were having an awesome night and as we were about to leave I went across the road to say goodbye to my friends and from my memory I got jumped by four guys from behind, Cook said.
According to his partner, who saw the offenders from a nearby car, the men had attacked another man outside the club, and hit one of the couple’s friends before setting upon Cook.
James said he shouted at the men, -艙stop hitting my boyfriend, before the men set upon him.
-艙As soon as I saw them hit my partner I jumped out of my car. They decided to fight me. I said, -藴Do you really want to fight me, because I’m a body builder?’
Cook was taken to hospital and sustained a serious concussion, swollen eye and cuts to the face, while James received a cut to the face.
James said he recognised one of the offenders in the club, and the other three appeared to show up once outside.
While no homophobic remarks were made during the attack, James believed it may have been a factor.
-艙No they didn’t [use homophobic language] but the four people they hit were all gay. he said.
-艙And they did actually hit me after I said, -藴Don’t hit my boyfriend’.
A Victoria Police spokesman said the incident was being looked into as an assault, and investigators were -艙fairly confident homophobia did not motivate the attack.
The spokesman was unable to comment further as the case is going to court and investigations are pending.
Cook said the attack has left him shaken and nervous about going out in a social setting.
-艙I feel more quiet and more conservative. I think [I’ve got] a little social phobia of going out now, even to a place where I’m really well known. It really messes with your head.
-艙Being relaxed in my own comfort zone is an issue.
Police have released images of two men they believe can assist in the investigation of the assault.
Police are appealing for the men, or for anyone who may know their identity, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
