Coward punch teen clings to life on life support
The Courier-Mail
January 4, 2016
Pair in custody over senseless bashing in Fortitude Valley as teen struggles for survival
Police at the Fortitude Valley Chinatown Mall crime scene. Picture: Tara Croser
BRISBANE teenager Cole Miller was last night clinging to life as police laid charges against two men over the seemingly unprovoked one-punch attack on him.
Miller’s traumatised family kept vigil at the 18-year-old’s bedside at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital as police sought more CCTV footage of the horrific incident. The Highgate Hill teen was walking with a friend through Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley about 3.30am yesterday when he was approached by a group of four men, police said.
After a “short exchange” of words, Miller was struck in the back of the head by one man. He fell forward and struck his head on the concrete paving.
Cole Miller last night remained in a critical condition.
Two men, a 21-year-old and a 22-year-old, one from Coombabah and the other from Tanah Merah, were last night in police custody charged with one count each of assault causing grievous bodily harm. They are expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
Officer in charge of the investigation Detective Acting Inspector Tom Armitt said investigators were trying to find a motive for the attack and were scouring CCTV footage of the area to trace the movements of the victim and his alleged attackers.
Cole Miller was felled in an apparently unprovoked attack. Picture: Facebook
“This is a random act of violence — there is no indication that the victim knew who the offenders were,” he said but did not rule out that the two may have crossed paths in a nightclub earlier in the night.
The talented young water polo player had reportedly called it a night and was about to hail a taxi and go home when he was allegedly struck from behind.
Acting Health Minister Dr Anthony Lynham yesterday said the tragic set of circumstances spoke for itself.
Officer in charge of the investigation Detective Acting Inspector Tom Armitt said investigators were trying to find a motive for the attack. Picture: Renae Droop
“There really is no need for me to comment — it’s exactly what I’ve been saying for years,” he said. “I just feel so sorry for the two families involved.”
Dr Lynham said the constant stream of violence-related injuries was “exasperating”.
The “one punch can kill” campaign was launched after the king-hit death of 15-year-old Matthew Stanley in 2006. His 16-year-old killer served two and a half years jail for manslaughter.
In June last year Lindsay Ede, 56, died after he was hit in the head at Goodna. A 19-year-old is awaiting trial on a charge of unlawful striking causing death, also known as the coward’s punch law, which carries a possible life sentence.