Hans Lovejoy
More than two months after an appalling assault in Byron Bay’s Jonson Street late at night, the head chef of the Byron Beach Cafe lies in a brain-trauma clinic in Melbourne.
But police haven’t given up hope on finding who attacked Nathan Foord and are still appealing to the public in the chance that someone who witnessed the incident has yet to come forward.
Beach Cafe owner Ben Kirkwood told Echonetdaily, ‘It took five weeks for police to collect CCTV vision from venues, which they said didn’t identify anyone anyway. Without a prosecution, Nathan has no-one to seek compensation from. Hence, he is now unable to work, has massive medial expenses and potentially permanent physical and mental side-effects.
‘I strongly believe this case is an example of both why we need CCTV on the street of the CBD and how CCTV can make a difference. Even if it doesn’t prevent an attack at least it has the potential to identify criminals and hold them to account.’
The assault occurred around 2.10am on Saturday December 1, 2012, when the 32-year-old was walking along Jonson Street, Byron Bay and then became involved in an argument with a number of males.
He was knocked to the ground, then kicked in the head by one of the males. While he lay unconscious, the males fled the scene. He suffered horrific brain trauma, facial injuries and a fractured jaw.
A man police believe can assist with inquiries is described as being about 20 years old, with a tanned complexion, 175cm to 180cm, with an athletic build and long, curly hair which witnesses described as ‘moppy’. He was wearing dark shorts, a white t-shirt with a black shirt tucked into his pants. For anyone who may be able to help, contact 000, crime stoppers or Byron Bay Police.
