Court told of alleged group jail bash horror

A prisoner was allegedly involved in a brutal group bashing that left a fellow Barwon Prison inmate with a brain injury.

John Leaupepe, 19, appeared in Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday via video link, facing charges including intentionally causing serious injury.

He was granted bail.

The court heard the incident took place about 9am on

July 20, last year. In CCTV footage played to the court, the alleged victim is approached by another inmate who swings his right fist, causing the man to fall to the ground.

The attacker then stomps on the man before he is joined by three other men, allegedly including Mr Leaupepe.

It is alleged the men “repeatedly kicked and stomped on” the victim.

The entire assault lasted less than 10 seconds.

The victim was flown to hospital with injuries that included a brain haemorrhage, multiple head and facial fractures and a broken tooth.

The court heard the man was undergoing ongoing neurological assessments for an acquired brain injury.

Mr Leaupepe’s lawyer Tony Danos said there was no “preplanning” involved.

He said his client moved over to put his “two cents worth” in.

The police informant told the court she could not say where exactly the punches or kicks from Mr Leaupepe connected.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie said the CCTV footage indicated Mr Leaupepe didn’t initiate the assault.

“His involvement was somewhat limited and it is difficult to discern exactly what injury he caused,” she said.

“He has kicked or stomped on the victim and at least punched the victim, and that is a serious offence.”

Ms McGarvie said because Mr Leaupepe hadn’t had a chance as an adult to access rehab, she would grant bail.

“If he fails to comply with his bail, the police will put in an application to revoke bail and it will be granted,” she said.

Mr Leaupepe and another inmate, Tyron Williams, pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the incident and will next appear in the County Court in Melbourne on May 17.