Man charged over alleged one-punch attack after man left unconscious on New Year's Eve
A 20-year-old man has been charged over a New Year's Eve "coward punch" attack in Canberra which left a man unconscious.
The Braddon man handed himself in at the City Police Station on Thursday afternoon, after they released video of the attack which took place outside a convenience store on East Road in Civic.
Vision of the attack which occurred around 2.45am on January 1, shows the victim's head allegedly slam into the ground after he was "coward punched" from behind while talking to someone outside a Supa 42 convenience store.
The man was still unconscious when police arrived at the scene.
"From that coward punch he's sustained significant injuries to his jaw and had to undergo emergency surgery later that day,” constable Jarad Drennan from ACT Police said.
"When I first saw him he was completely limp on the ground, eyes closed, he was, I'd describe him as lifeless,” Witness Daniel McDougall said.
Police have also identified the man speaking with the victim seconds before the attack.
The accused was released on bail and will appear in the ACT Magistrates Court on January 15 facing a charge of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm.
The release of the video came after a Queensland teen Cole Miller died from a one-punch attack earlier in the week.
A South Australian teenager is also in a serious condition in hospital after he suffered a similar New Year's Eve attack in the Adelaide suburb of Glenelg.
The incidents have prompted police to remind people to come forward with information about any attacks.
"Our urge is for people to step forward and assist us so that we can make sure we catch everyone that does do it,” Constable Drennan said.
Police continue to urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident and have not yet spoken with police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via https://act.crimestoppers.com.au. Please quote reference 5904176. Information can be provided anonymously.
