THE victim of a vicious road rage attack was smashed with a metal-edged spirit level, called a “c--n” and told he would be killed, a court has heard.
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Brothers Jack and Tom McLean fronted Wodonga Magistrates Court on Wednesday after the incident on December 15.
It is alleged the attack on the truck driver occurred near the corner of Melbourne Road and Melrose Drive.
Older brother Jack, 25, is alleged to have hit the victim multiple times with the metre-long tool as the man shielded his face.
Tom McLean allegedly stood with a tyre iron in his hand, pointing at the victim, as Jack attacked the man.
Jack allegedly yelled out “I’m going to f---ing kill you, you black ----” during the ordeal, which was filmed by multiple cameras.
Witnesses have been concerned about making statements amid fears of reprisals, the court heard.
Some were too afraid to call Triple-0 at the scene.
A family member has allegedly tried to contact a witness on social media, causing extreme unease and fears of retribution.
Despite the concerns, Jack McLean again broke down in tears during Wednesday’s hearing as he told magistrate Ian Watkins the incident was retaliation for an attack on his brother.
“It wasn’t just a random attack … it was a provoked attack,” he said while sobbing.
The 25-year-old said he wasn’t just going to go down the street and attack random people if released on bail.
Mr Watkins said the "violence in this case was extreme".
“This would have been petrifying to not only the victim … but would have been petrifying for the citizens of Wodonga,” he said.
Both were denied bail and will return January 23.
