By ANEEKA SIMONIS
CHARGES may be laid against a number of youths who witnessed, but failed to step in to stop the public bashing of an 18-year-old man outside a Pakenham train station earlier this month.
Police have already charged a 14-year-old girl but told the Gazette they know the identity of a number of other teens involved in the incident that may be processed.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd said a group of up to 10 young people are believed to have witnessed the punching attack on the man who sat slumped on a trolley after being hit in the face three times on Friday 4 December.
At least one of the youths is believed to have filmed the Bourke Park attack which was later posted onto social media, stirring a viral response by disgusted viewers.
It shows a female assailant verbally abusing the 18-year-old man left covered in blood after the repeated punching attack.
She is captured throwing her head back in laughter, saying: “his face is bleeding”.
Sen Sgt Prowd encouraged those involved to come forward.
“If not, we will get around to speaking with them in due course,” Sen Sgt Prowd said.
Police are looking at alcohol as a factor in the assault.
The man was hospitalised with minor injuries to his jaw, face and cuts inside his mouth, according to police.
A police spokesperson said both parties were known to each other.
It is believe the man reported the incident to police on Tuesday 8 December.
The 14-year-old girl was charged soon after.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
