A MAN who was kicked in the head during an unprovoked attack at Devilbend reservoir was last week at home and confined to bed for months after being treated for a broken neck at The Alfred hospital.

The 19-year-old was walking back to the car park after swimming with friends at the reservoir, off Graydens Road, Tuerong, when they came across a group of 10 youths sunbathing by the water’s edge.

One of the youths threw a rock at the victim, of East Bentleigh, narrowly missing him. The offender then walked up and after a brief exchange of words, punched the victim to the face, knocking him to the ground.

The offender then kicked the victim in the back of the head, causing him to lose consciousness for a short time. After coming around he was helped back to the car park by his friends who took him to Sandringham Hospital from where he was taken to The Alfred.

His assailant is described as being of Maori or Islander appearance, about 183cm tall with solid build and black curly hair shaved on both sides. He has a tattoo on either the left or right hand side of his chest. It is believed the group were driving cars with P-plates. One is described as a blue Holden Calais VZ, and the other a silver Commodore.

Anyone with information or who saw the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 January 2021