Gang ‘bash’ ordeal

Erin Pearson
A “VICIOUS” gang attack on a group of young Geelong revellers during a night out in Melbourne has highlighted the comparative safety of their home town, according to police.
Newtown’s Ashleigh Bakker and her group of friends suffered a variety of injuries in the allegedly unprovoked attack.
One of the group, who was celebrating his birthday, was left with a dislocated shoulder, chipped teeth and facial injuries.
Ms Bakker, who suffered bruising from a punch to the face, said the nine friends were minding their own business as they walked along Lonsdale Street on July 31.
“All of a sudden one of our friends was spear-tackled,” she said.
“The next thing we knew 10 men flew around from an alleyway and set upon us.
“They were punching and kicking the boys. When I stepped in to protect my boyfriend I was hit.
“It was very distressing.”
Ms Bakker described the attackers as of African appearance.
Police believed the men had beaten other victims the same night, she said
Ms Bakker revealed the attack as a warning for revellers to be cautious at night.
Geelong Police Sergeant Shane Connolly pointed out that assaults in Geelong’s nightclub precinct fell 13 per cent in the past 12 months.
New on-the-spot fines could help further reduce assaults in the city, he said.
“If you go out and want to fight you will get fined $478 in Geelong.”
Geelong Nightlife Associ-ation president Darren Holroyd president said the Melbourne attack was shocking.
Mr Holroyd said Geelong had “come along way” in combating violence.
“I believe Geelong is leading the way still and we don’t have that gang mentality they have in the larger cities,” he said.
“Most assaults here aren’t gang-related, they’re alcohol-related.”