Teenager Faces Charges in Alleged Hammer Attack on Korean Tourist in Sydney CBD
A 16-year-old boy has been charged following an alleged violent altercation in Sydney's central business district, where a Korean tourist reported being attacked with a hammer in an incident he said "almost killed" him. The teenager was arrested at a unit on Dreadnought Street in Roselands, located in Sydney's southwest, around 9am on Thursday, approximately one week after the alleged assault occurred.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Dave, a 23-year-old Korean man visiting Australia on a working holiday visa, recounted that he was walking home with two Thai friends after a party when they were confronted by three men at the intersection of Liverpool and Pitt streets around 3am on February 18. According to Dave, the group suddenly approached his friends, and when he intervened to assist, he became the primary target of the aggression.
Footage from the scene depicts one of the alleged attackers punching one of Dave's friends before two men encircled Dave. The pair allegedly proceeded to punch and kick him, with one individual pulling a hammer from his pocket and striking Dave multiple times in the back. New South Wales Police confirmed that the three alleged attackers fled the scene before officers arrived. Dave and his two friends, aged 28 and 29, received treatment from paramedics at the location.
Legal Proceedings and Social Media Response
The 16-year-old suspect was transported to Campsie Police Station, where he was charged with use of an offensive weapon in company with intent to commit an indictable offence, along with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company. He was denied bail and was scheduled to appear in a children's court on Thursday.
Following the alleged attack, Dave shared an image of his injuries on social media, captioning it: "Two days ago ... I almost got killed with a hammer." In a subsequent post, the working holiday maker expressed concerns that the altercation might impact his visa status, stating, "Fighting is never the right choice. My life will continue, and I hope you all take care of yourselves and enjoy life."
Witness Account and Ongoing Investigation
Chris Itgma, who filmed the confrontation, described the dispute as escalating rapidly after a brief exchange. "I had just come back from the gym around 3am. I was exhausted and saw multiple people around the convenience store," Itgma said. "I then heard one of the guys say, 'Do you want to fight my friend?' After that, the other guy kept pushing, saying, 'What? You want to fight my friend?' — and that's when everything went south."
Police have indicated that investigations into the incident are continuing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The case highlights ongoing concerns about safety in urban areas and the impact of violent crimes on tourists and residents alike.
