Boy suffers aneurysm after alleged attack in schoolyard

The Sydney Morning Herald

Rachel Olding

September22,2015

Josh Lawrie after the 'one punch' attack. Photo: Channel 7

A high school student has reportedly suffered an aneurysm after an attack by a schoolyard bully.

Josh Lawrie, 15, was allegedly attacked last Monday at St Dominic's College, a Catholic school in Kingswood, in western Sydney, Channel 7 News reported.

He was reportedly walking through the schoolyard at lunchtime and was punched from behind by a student, who has since been suspended.

Josh and his father Richard Lawrie shown in his hospital ward at Nepean Hospital. Photo: Channel 7

He continued to be punched while face-down on the ground until a friend intervened,Channel 7 News said.

"The next thing I remember is being in the bathroom washing my face," Josh said.

A police spokesman confirmed that Josh and his mother went to St Mary's police station on Tuesday, the day after the incident, to report "an assault which is alleged to have occurred at a local high school".

Josh Lawrie in his hospital bed at Nepean Hospital. Photo: Channel 7

"After reporting the matter to police, the teen was taken to hospital by his mother for scans and treatment of head injuries," the spokesman said.

Channel 7 Newsreported that the school initially sent Josh home with his mother Lynda Lawrie, rather than calling an ambulance.

The aneurysm only surfaced during later scans. 

The teenager has since undergone brain surgery and will spend his school holidays in hospital.

"I've ... got a major brain problem and he's just going to get a suspension for that," Josh told Channel 7 News.

"He's wrecked my life and he'll only get a slap on the wrist.

"I don't think that's really good enough," he said.

Channel 7 News reported that Josh has been told by doctors that he won't be able to play sport again and will have to take blood thinning medication for the rest of his life.

Ms Lawrie said that the first thing she was asked when she brought her son to the hospital was why he wasn't taken in by an ambulance.

His father Richard Lawrie said "young fellas have to realise what they are doing" and think about the consequences of their actions.

A police spokesman said: "Police have obtained a number of statements and are now conducting inquiries into the matter."

The school has not released an official comment but told Channel 7 News that there are two sides to the story.