Crash survivor attacked
A brain-injured man who survived a car crash eight years ago was attacked in a Queenstown club on the weekend.
Well-known local Jesse Boulay says he was out for his usual Friday night drinks when he was punched in the head by a stranger about 2.30am on Saturday.
‘‘I was minding my own business, as you do. I was near the second door of Vinyl [Underground bar] when someone just came to the door and for no reason I could see . . . he just punched me in the face.’’
The 25-year-old, who has trouble walking and unclear speech, stumbled but did not fall.
He went to the local hospital after discovering his ear and jaw were bruised.
‘‘I called myself an ambulance because after what I’ve been through it could have been more serious.’’
He is still awaiting X-ray results.
Sergeant Kate Pirovano said police were still looking for the alleged offender, who was seen on CCTV footage entering the bar with two other men.
‘‘It was an unprovoked attack I understand, so I hope we get this guy,’’ Pirovano said.
A car crash in 2010 killed Jesse’s friend and left him in a coma for about nine months.
He now lives in his own apartment in central Queenstown and works as a pie-maker.
He loves to socialise and visits local bars on Friday and Saturday nights. ‘‘Usually people are really nice to me because some of them are locals too and understand me,’’ he said.