A YOUTH, 14, has been charged over a one-punch attack which left a high school student in hospital with serious injuries.
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The victim, 15, had been standing on the median strip in Mate Street near the Lavington five ways when he was punched last Thursday.
Witnesses said he had been standing with his hands by his side and had been turning away when struck, causing a fractured skull, broken collarbone, bruising to the brain and deep cuts to the face.
A 14-year-old went to Albury police station with his father about 1pm on Wednesday and was interviewed and charged with assault occasioning reckless grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He will appear at Albury Children’s Court on Tuesday.
The victim’s mother, Shari Shorrock, said he left hospital on Sunday but had returned on Tuesday with concerns about his head and back.
He was released and continues to recover at home.
Ms Shorrock welcomed news of the charges when informed by The Border Mail yesterday.
“The support from my family, friends and just the general public has been overwhelming,” she said.
“They’ve been sending their best wishes to my boy but also expressing disbelief at the age of the offender, and how it was only one punch.”
Ms Shorrock said she was not sure what the appropriate punishment would be should the juvenile be found guilty of the charge.
“Jail terms sometimes harden offenders,” she said.
“But there should definitely be a lot of restrictions on this boy.
“I don’t feel there has been much remorse.”
Her son is expected to return to school in a week or two, but Ms Shorrock is concerned about his long-term mental health.
“That might not be seen for six months, five or 10 years,” she said.
“But the support people have given in his recovery has been outstanding.”