The family of a mother and young child who were allegedly attacked by a stranger have publicly thanked the bystanders who intervened, as the accused man appeared in court.
Jerry Sowood, 27, of Sunshine West, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday facing charges including affray, intentionally causing injury, unlawful assault, and conduct endangering life. He did not apply for bail and is scheduled for his next court appearance in September.
A woman, identified as the mother and grandmother of the alleged victims, expressed her gratitude online for the assistance provided. "I would like to thank your son and the other guys for helping my daughter and grandsons," she wrote. "It could have been a lot worse if they didn’t help. Thank you. It could have been a lot worse than it was. We are forever grateful."
The mother and son, from Victoria's Phillip Island, were reportedly on a day trip to Melbourne with two other children when the alleged attack occurred outside Melbourne's West Police Station. Footage of the incident showed several bystanders, including tradespeople, detaining the alleged attacker until police arrived.
Victoria Police Superintendent Zorka Dunstan stated that three citizens intervened to help. "We had a citizen immediately intervene, who jumped onto him and just pulled him off the mum, and then the other two added assistance by grabbing him as well," Dunstan said. "Without the intervention, it could have been a lot worse, so we are so grateful for their assistance."
The 10-year-old boy was recovering at The Royal Children’s Hospital, and his mother was receiving treatment at Royal Melbourne Hospital for injuries to her back and shoulders. Police noted the incident was also traumatizing for the family.
The incident has sparked debate online regarding public safety and the role of bystanders. Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece stated that Melbourne remains a safe city, noting a decrease in the central city crime rate over the past year. However, his comments were met with criticism from some residents who expressed concerns about safety in the city.
This alleged attack follows a similar incident in Melbourne's CBD last October, where a sushi chef was reportedly stabbed. That case is also still before the courts.