Family appeals for help over Gosnells bashing

as posted here

THE family of a man bashed by a group of youths in Gosnells say their hearts have been "smashed to smithereens'' as he lays hopelessly in a coma.

The man's parents and his wife of one year say they don't know if 34-year-old Matthew, who has a 15-year-old daughter, will survive or suffer permanent injuries.

"Our hearts have been smashed to smithereenes,'' father Barry told the media today in the hope the public can help police catch those responsible.

"We are crushed, shattered. This is happening to our son, to a husband and father.

"No one expects any human being to do this to another human being."

Matthew's wife, Karlene, his childhood sweetheart, said: "He’s been my life and it’s been taken away.''

The family's lives changed forever four weeks ago when, at a friend's party, Matthew confronted a group seen hanging around cars outside the home about 12.30pm.

A fight spilled into a nearby park and Matthew was bashed with a starpicket and left to die.

His family desperately want the culprits found.

"The victim was at a private party on Walter Street in Gosnells on August 2 when a group of juveniles were seen loitering around the vehicles parked out the front at around 12:30am,'' a police spokesman said.

"A verbal altercation started between the victim and members of the group, which became physical and resulted in the victim sustaining a life-threatening head injury at the nearby Chale Street Reserve. He was taken to Royal Perth Hospital where he remains in an unconscious state. ''

Police today arrested a 15-year-old boy in relation to the assault, but police still need
public assistance to identify others involved.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


as posted here