Two brothers allegedly left a man bleeding on the side of the road because he tried to enter their house while COVID positive, the ACT Magistrates Court heard on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Moncrieff men Tyson Baker and Braedon Baker are accused of beating the man on Friday, leading several neighbours to call triple zero after hearing "screaming and yelling".
Tyson Baker has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, two counts of destroying or damaging property worth less than $5000, possessing an offensive weapon with intent and common assault.
Braedon Baker, 18, has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
A woman who lived with the brothers entered their house and told Braedon Baker she was COVID positive, would stay with the alleged victim during isolation and "would be quick to collect her things".
After Braedon requested her to wear a mask, the woman apparently asked the alleged victim - who was waiting outside - to come into the home.
According to police documents, "[Braedon] told them not to [enter the house] due to being COVID positive and blocked the door."
READ MORE COURT:
There was allegedly a short physical altercation between the alleged victim and Braedon, after which Braedon asked his brother Tyson to come to the house.
Tyson allegedly ran down the driveway of the residence, yelling at the alleged victim while Braedon rushed at him from the opposite direction.
The brothers are then accused of grabbing the man, "swinging" at him, punching him, throwing him to the ground, kicking and jumping on the alleged victim as he lay on the road calling for them to stop.
Tyson allegedly put the victim in a headlock, squeezing him until his brother Braedon "tapped" his shoulder and told him to stop after an alleged minutes-long attack.
Police said they found the alleged victim lying on the other side of the road of the alleged bashing, covered in blood and unable to communicate.
READ MORE CRIME:
"[The man] was unable to clearly state where he was or his contact number," say prosecution documents written by police.
"[He] was bleeding from a cut on his face as well as his nose and mouth.
"Whilst waiting for [an ambulance he] vomited several times and stated he was dizzy and feeling faint."
The man was taken to Calvary Hospital for treatment.
Police said Braedon, who has not entered a plea, said "he knew their actions were wrong however he was angry with [the alleged victim] for attempting to force his way into the house whilst having COVID and trying to start a fight".
The man said he "feared for his life" during the alleged assault, had bruising to his back, legs, torso and shoulders, had burst blood vessels in both eyes and could not see from his right eye.
"[The man] will require further medical treatment once he is no longer COVID positive," prosecution documents say.
Braedon has been released on bail and is scheduled to reappear in court on May 3.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker ordered a psychological assessment for Tyson, who is also scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram