TWO men have been charged over an alleged brutal assault that left a bus driver in hospital in Kerang last week.
A V/Line bus was travelling from Wodonga to Adelaide when it made a stop to pick up passengers at the Kerang bus depot just before 10am on December 1.
Police have been told two men boarded the bus and were asked by the driver to wear a mask before the bus drove away.
It is alleged the two men then became aggressive, approaching the driver, kicking and punching him repeatedly.
The driver pulled over on Boundary Street and the passengers left the scene.
The 55-year-old driver was taken to Echuca Regional Health with serious injuries and lacerations.
Senior Sergeant Michael Kearnes said “the circumstances of the issue included the passenger being asked to put a mask on at some point … he removed the mask again and was again then asked to please put it back on”.
“It’s utterly appalling, to say the least,” he told 3AW radio.
“That a person goes to work and gets assaulted in their workplace in this manner is disgusting.”
A 20-year-old Kerang man has been charged with affray, reckless conduct serious injury, assault in company, assault by kicking, and unlawful assault.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Kerang Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
A 21-year-old Kerang man has been charged with affray, recklessly cause injury, assault in company, assault by kicking, and unlawful assault
He was bailed to appear at Kerang Magistrates’ Court on March 10, 2022.
Anyone who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
V/Line was contacted for comment.
