Sick attack on homeless man
No conviction for Belmont man
A BELMONT man has avoided a conviction despite his involvement in a shocking attack on a homeless man in Geelong’s CBD last year.
Adrian Galloway used a mobile phone to film he and his mate as they set on the man on Moorabool St about 4am on October 11.
The footage gained widespread media attention after it was shared via Snapchat, showing the 47-year-old victim receive a barrage of punches and kicks as he lay on the ground.
While Galloway’s friend was allegedly the main participant in the attack, the 22-yearold pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful assault after he pushed the homeless man with enough force to knock him off his feet.
He also pleaded guilty to unrelated charges of offensive behaviour and property damage stemming from incidents at Eastern Beach.
On August 23 last year, Galloway was seen urinating in a fountain and vandalising a nearby rotunda.
While being questioned by police over the Eastern Beach offences, he said: “(I was) being silly. Being a goose in front of a mate.”
Galloway faced Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday where he was put on a 12month good behaviour bond.
A support worker from Barwon, Child, Youth and Family told the court the accused had taken steps to change his life, including avoiding negative peer influences.
“He’s made some really big changes and has come a long way,” the worker said.
Magistrate Peter Mellas said Galloway’s commitment to rehabilitation was “really impressive” and he chose not to impose a conviction.
After video of the homeless attack surfaced in October, Geelong’s top cop expressed shock and dismay about the actions of the two men.
“Police are appalled at this behaviour and violent assault and commit to ensuring the offenders are held accountable for their actions,” Superintendent Craig Gillard said.
Before being arrested, Galloway posted another video claiming the victim brought the attack on himself.
“We’re not in the wrong here. We were defending ourselves. We tried letting it go,” he said.
“We wouldn’t normally do that. But he pushed us.”
Reasons for the altercation were not aired in court.
It was also not immediately known whether Galloway’s cooffender had been charged or faced court over the incident.