Man, 26, charged over Junee assault as victim fights for life

FRIDAY 11.30 AM | A MAN has been charged over a violent assault in Junee that left a 30-year-old father-of-two fighting for life in hospital.

A 26-year-old man has been charged with reckless grievous bodily harm following the incident, which has rattled the local community.

Emergency services were called to a home in George Street shortly before 10pm on Wednesday, March 4, following reports of a serious assault.

Witnesses say an argument broke out between two men before the altercation escalated, leaving the 30-year-old man with life-threatening head injuries.

Police have not commented on reports that a glass bottle or other weapon was used.

Emergency services at the scene in George Street on Wednesday night | Photo: Supplied

Multiple police and NSW Ambulance crews rushed to the scene, shattering the peace of the night as sirens echoed through the town.

The commotion drew dozens of nearby residents from their homes, with many watching from front yards and driveways as the usually quiet street filled with emergency services.

The injured man was reportedly unresponsive when help arrived.

Police say he was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Wagga Base Hospital and later flown to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition.

His wife and two young daughters travelled to Canberra on Thursday to be by his side.

Speaking to 7 News Riverina before she left, the man’s wife described him as a hardworking father who loves attending church every Sunday.

Forensic investigators examine the scene in George Street on Thursday morning | Photo: Supplied/Eoin T Peters

A crime scene was established and a section of George Street between Ducker and Goulburn streets was sealed off for about 12 hours as forensic investigators examined the scene.

A 26-year-old man was initially arrested at the scene and taken to Junee Police Station for questioning as detectives began piecing together the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

It is understood he was later released without charge before police returned to the George Street home about 3.30pm on Thursday and executed a search warrant.

The man was rearrested and again taken to Junee Police Station, where he was formally charged with reckless grievous bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear in Bail Division Court 5 on Friday, March 6.

THURSDAY 9:00 AM | A JUNEE street remained sealed off on Thursday morning, more than 11 hours after an alleged assault left a man fighting for life and triggered a major emergency response that drew locals from their homes.

Emergency services swarmed a house in George Street just before 10pm on Wednesday.

A NSW Police spokesperson told the Junee Bulletin officers were called to reports of an assault at the address just after 9.30pm.

“On arrival, officers attached to Riverina Police District located a 30-year-old man who had been assaulted,” the spokesperson said.

The Bulletin understands the victim suffered severe head injuries after reportedly being attacked with a glass bottle.

“He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being flown to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition,” police said.

The man was initially transported by road to Wagga Base Hospital before being flown to Canberra. 

Police have not commented on reports a weapon may have been used in the alleged assault.

Locals described a chaotic scene as multiple police and NSW Ambulance units descended on the street.

Part of George Street was cordoned off as emergency services responded to the scene | Photo: Supplied

Paramedics were later seen treating the injured man in the back of an ambulance while police detained another man nearby.

In response to an inquiry by this publication overnight, police confirmed a man was taken into custody at the scene.

“A 26-year-old man was arrested and taken to Junee Police Station where inquiries continue,” the spokesperson said.

READ MORE: Man charged over alleged ‘domestic incident’

A section of George Street was sealed off and a crime scene established as police began piecing together what unfolded.

The crime scene is extensive, with the police cordon stretching roughly 160m from Ducker Street to Goulburn Street.

It remained in place overnight, with investigators still examining the scene at 9.00am on Thursday, more than 11 hours later.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as they’re made available.