A man charged over a brutal assault in Melbourne’s south-east last week is also a person of interest in another assault earlier this month which left a man with bleeding on the brain, say police.
Frankston South local Ryan Wells, 32, was granted bail in Frankston Magistrates' Court this afternoon after allegedly coward punching a 43-year-old stranger on the street last Thursday night.
Now, police have revealed that the accused is also being investigated over another serious assault case in Sommerville earlier this month.
In that attack, the victim had to be hospitalised for ten days with bleeding on the brain, a broken noise and a swollen jaw.
Mr Wells is facing three assault charges over last Thursday's incident, including intentionally causing injury in an assault.
The 32-year-old was with his brother Joel and another friend when the trio were allegedly drinking at the Grand Hotel on the Nepean Highway on Thursday night.
Soon after departing the venue about 7.45pm, it’s believed the trio approached an unknown man.
Footage captured outside a business allegedly shows the 43-year-old victim walking towards Mr Wells with his eyes down and his hands in his pockets.
It's then that the man, who police allege is Mr Wells, is seen in the footage lunging forward and assaulting the stranger, elbowing him in the face.
"It was a callous, vicious and random assault - a spur of the moment decision with no care or concern for the victim's welfare," Senior Constable Belinda Rampal told the court.
Today police charged Mr Wells with intentionally causing injury.
Wells' brother was interviewed by investigators today before being released, but is expected to be charged on summons.
The court heard the alleged victim, whose $2000 dentures were damaged in the incident, was “too scared” to file an official complaint, and is “in fear of his life”.
He is currently receiving treatment in hospital for a swollen head and bloodied mouth.
Witness who were about 20 metres from the alleged crime scene said they were so frightened, they hid in a laneway until Mr Wells and his companions were gone.
Senior Constable Joel Barbera yesterday described the incident as "a disgusting and vicious attack - very unprovoked".
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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