News

Man fights for life after Dean Street brawl

24 Dec, 2009 10:22 PM

A LAVINGTON family must endure a torturous Christmas as their brother and son clings to life in a Melbourne hospital after being savagely beaten in Albury early today.

Police found Larry Haifa seriously injured and lying in Dean Street soon after he was refused entry to Roi Bar for missing the 1.30am lock-out.

It is believed a group of up to five men set on Mr Haifa in the street.

Police said the 23-year-old hit his head as he fell to the ground in the roadway, suffering massive head injuries.

Mr Haifa was taken to Albury Base Hospital before being flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he remained in a critical condition this afternoon.

Police secured a crime scene, sealing off Dean Street, between David and Olive streets, to traffic until 11am.

The footpath and nearby stores around Roi Bar were also taped off, on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, as forensic services examined the scene.

Insp John Wadsworth, of Albury police, said the timing of the attack was especially distressing.

“It’s a very traumatic event for this young fella involved, and the family of this young fella, leading into Christmas,” he said.

“It’s a terrible thing for our community.

“I really do hope he comes through this.”

No arrests have yet been made but police have identified a number of people they would like to interview.

Insp Wadsworth appealed for anyone with more information about the attack to contact Albury police on (02) 6023 9299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Mr Haifa’s assault was the second violent episode in a bloody few hours in Albury streets.

A man also suffered head injuries after an altercation at the corner of Smollett and Macauley streets about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

That man was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital a few hours after Mr Haifa today.

The Border Mail welcomes your constructive feedback. Tell us what you think here: ENOUGH: The Border Mail's fight against violence. Please note: The Border Mail cannot publish comments containing unproven facts implicating any individuals, personal attacks or threats.

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first

This is a disgrace. Its christmas! Now that young man's family will have this to deal with. People need to grow up & take more responsibility when drinking.

Posted by shocked, 24/12/2009 12:08:01 PM, on The Border Mail

It's Christmas !!! people are obviously being served while intoxicated and then roaming streets looking for other venues to get into,after being refused entry thats when they become aggressive,so why aren't the bouncers calling the Police to get them off the streets? Isn't that what they are paid to do? keep the streets safe for party goers...I pray for this persons family their Christmas is now ruined.... Wake Up Albury

Posted by Sarah, 24/12/2009 1:44:22 PM, on The Border Mail

Both of the incidents that occured last night are a sign of what is happening in this town- each weekend sees senseless violence, too much drinking and the inability to have a good night out without having to watch over your shoulder. The fact that Christmas is so close makes it even more tragic. All I can hope is that common sense will prevail and that people can have fun and security can do what they are contracted to do and assist in protecting people.

Posted by Jo, 24/12/2009 2:04:24 PM, on The Border Mail

No matter what, you'll never change the mid set of these scum bags that bash people for the sake of their own weak self confidence, mixed with their inability to control themselves after consuming alcohol. Jail them whether first offenders, have families or jobs, who cares, that way more people might just shut their mouths and walk away and get over themselves.

Posted by Mick, 24/12/2009 2:15:29 PM, on The Border Mail

Re introduce 10 o clock closing

Posted by me, 24/12/2009 2:28:05 PM, on The Border Mail

All I see her is people bad mouthing the venues that from what I see do a good job with the crowds that head out these days. I'm good friends with two people that work in these 'dangerous night spots' and having seen what they put up with and how they deal with it, I feel sorry that they always have the finger pointed at them. What it comes down to is personal ethics. These people that go out have to take responsibility for there own actions and choices they make!! If they're refused it's for good reason, but instead of going home and leaving it for another night when they're in a better state, they hang around and try to cause trouble because they're biter, petty people!! I've lived in Albury most of my life, and in the years I've been going out in this town, I can safely say that over the last two years, I've seen a vast improvement in the pubs and clubs. Where I'd used to see three or four fights a night, I'm lucky to see one a week! The Police are stretched thin as it is, and I'd personally like to see more action with these trouble makers. Again it comes down to the individuals!! People need to first take time a good look at themselves

Posted by Jay, 24/12/2009 3:15:23 PM, on The Border Mail

I think this situation is out of control and I cant see it improving. Going out and having a drink is still fine in my book. the times I dont feel safe is when im confronted by a young KID absolutly drugged up to the eye balls and probably hasnt even had a beer. These kids are not in there right mind! Why does eveyone blame the booze? Sure it may be a factor but how bout the massive amounts of drugs these kids consume and then feel like they are 10 feet tall and bullet proof. We try to make some of these hotels and clubs responsable but somtimes you have to take responsability for what you do. As for bouncers, I think hotel management should hire there own staff and not use these companies that obviously have blokes on there books that have no idea on costmer service and thats where the hotels and cubs really let themselves down. Who is going to fix this mess? Council and Police? I dont think so!

Posted by Sweet Johnny, 24/12/2009 3:20:26 PM, on The Border Mail

The bouncers are there to protect patrons in and close to their premisis. Sure they can call the police, but they can't walk the street patrolling everybody, because they can't leave their place of work. So, surely a group of officers can be posted their at least every saturday & wednesday night? By the time bouncers ring police about a fight, it can be over and offenders gone or apparently allowed inside the venue. It's about being proactive. It's not a hard stretch of area, in that it isn't that big or widespread, so it's ridiculous that it's not more actively and easily patrolled. Yes, some nights it will be a waste of time, but isn't it better to waste some nights than to have this happening? I've never seen a police car nor officers on the street when I've been out!

Posted by amie, 24/12/2009 3:26:45 PM, on The Border Mail

I'm a Dean Street near the Roi Bar and I'm sick and tied of cleaning up the mess on the foothpath and over our windows. Blood, vomit and split drinks. Albury City Councillors have approved extension for the Roi, I hope they can reconsider the building approval.

Posted by DEAN ST TRADER, 24/12/2009 3:26:56 PM, on The Border Mail

To all of the people that are bad mouthing roi take a look at the other venues and actually know the facts before saying anything. Roi is where people go after drinking themsleves silly in other venues. Roi practices the highest level of rsa by choice not because they are told to. The bouncers refuse drunk people entry or people that have been thrown out of other venues for fighting entry and they turn on the roi bouncers. Roi has many many regular patrons that never fight or get involved in anything do profane. It's the idiots older men and just plain drunk neanderthals that give the bad name because they start fights. No one turns around and says thank you to the bouncers and club staff that make the effort every single night to make it a safe an fun environment. People need to take a long hrs look at yourselves. Clubs are designed to dance and have fun. And the horrible people that come out looking for fights your ruining the experience for everyone else. I'd also like to point out if Albury police actually would come to the scene as soon as they are called thn it wouldn't get so out of hand. Security cannot police. They are a protection service not a policing service.

Posted by Stevie.s, 24/12/2009 3:28:41 PM, on The Border Mail

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