Sydney attack victim to be flown home

THE family of assault victim David Keohane are hoping to fly him home from Australia for treatment in Cork within the next week.

A fund has been set up to help with the transportation and medical bills associated with bringing David, 29, home, with up to €100,000 needed.

The flooring contractor from Ballyvolane, was attacked almost a month ago, after leaving a hotel in Randwick, Sydney, at 2.30am. Police believe he may have been the victim of a robbery.

He has been in an induced coma but is now off the life support machine. Members of his family travelled to Australia to be at his bedside.

It is feared that David, who lived in the town of Coogee, may have permanent brain damage as a result of the assault.

The 29-year-old had just been home to Ireland for a family wedding and was only back in Sydney a day when the attack happened. It took 48 hours to identify him and he had to undergo entire facial reconstruction. Parents, Tom and Rita, have appealed for witnesses to come forward and help the New South Wales police with its investigation.

Cork University Hospital has offered to take Mr Keohane on his return to Ireland.

A fundraiser is planned for the Commons Inn Blackpool for September 20. A similar event, held last week in Australia and attended by former Kerry footballer Tadhg Kennelly and Australian Idol winner Damien Leith, raised over €25,000. It was organised by the Welfare Bureau, which helps emigrants who get into difficulties while in Australia. “We probably need up to €100,000,” said Michael O’Sullivan of the Welfare Bureau yesterday.

“At this stage, getting him home is the issue and to make sure he’s comfortable and that his family are looked after.”

Plans are in place to fly David from Sydney to London using a commercial Qantas flight, with some of the business class seating removed to make room for a stretcher-bed and the necessary medical equipment.

It is believed that two men assaulted David after he left the Coogee Bay Hotel, one of the largest hotels in Australia but also the worst-ranked licensed premises for assaults.

Hotel general manager Tony Williams said there was “a massive perception” of the hotel not being safe, “and we need to work on that”.

Donations can be made to the David Keohane Recovery Fund, Ulster Bank a/c 10152307.