Coward punch victim, 82, has broken neck surgery

THE 82- year- old victim of a coward punch attack at an Ingham pub will face a long road to recovery after surgery to put a plate in his fractured neck.

Juan “John” Alberdi was at the East Ingham Hotel on April 7 when police allege he was punched by a 27- year- old Ingham man in an unprovoked attack about 11am.

The elderly man fell off his bar stool and injured his neck.

Police will allege the man then left the pub before returning and punching Mr Alberdi a second time.

Mr Alberdi’s nephew Steve Guazzo said his uncle went to have a beer before lunch.

“He had ordered a beer and sat on a stool at the bar, just minding his own business,” Mr Guazzo said. “A young fella who was also sitting at the bar asked him if he was a local. My uncle was born and bred here and he said he was.

“He got up and walked over to him. My uncle thought he was going to shake his hand.”

Mr Guazzo said his uncle would be in Townsville Hospital for some time. “He’s fractured his neck, has nerve damage and can’t move his legs and arms. He is going to be in the hospital for a while, he is in rehab at the moment,” Mr Guazzo said.

“He’s a friendly and harmless guy who was just minding his own business.

“There’s no guarantee there will be a full recovery.”

Ingham CIB officer- incharge detective Sergeant Dave Barron said the 27- yearold man was charged with grievous bodily harm.

“We will allege that ( Mr Al- berdi) was at the hotel minding his own business and a man has come up to him and punched him, knocking him off the back of his bar stool,” Sgt Barron said.

“It will then be alleged he has punched him again while he was on the ground.”

Police allege CCTV footage shows the incident a completely unprovoked attack.

The man will face Townsville Magistrates Court on May 4.