NSW: Bashed US Marine joins police in appeal for info

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2009
NSW: Bashed US Marine joins police in appeal for info

SYDNEY, April 22 AAP - US Marine Brian Lee suffered a fractured skull and was in a
coma for nine days after being savagely beaten by two men during a shore visit in Sydney.

The 25-year-old from California was drunk and standing in the middle of the road at
Kings Cross on October 13 last year when two men got out of a car and attacked him.

NSW Police have launched a new appeal to find his assailants, who bashed him so severely
he suffered short-term amnesia and is yet to return to active service.

"One of the men ... punched the off-duty serviceman to the side of the face, causing
him to fall backwards and hit his head on the roadway," police said in a statement on
Wednesday.

The men fled and Mr Lee was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, where he underwent
emergency surgery and then spent more than a week in a coma.

"When he regained consciousness, he suffered short-term amnesia. He couldn't recall
his own name, nor recognise his wife and parents," police said.

"Lance Corporal Lee was also unable to walk for some time."

Released from hospital on October 30, the now father of a nine-month-old boy has joined
police in appealing for information into the bashing.

"I had been enjoying a night out on the town in Sydney ... and to end up the victim
of an assault and fighting for life in hospital is distressing," Mr Lee said in a statement
from California.

"This attack has taken its toll on me personally, not only leaving me with serious
injuries, but also significantly impacting on my career.

"I still have not returned to full duties with the US Marines despite six months having
passed since the assault."

The assault occurred about 2am (AEST) at the intersection of Roslyn Street and Barncleuth
Lane, when the two attackers climbed out of a silver 2000-model Mitsubishi Magna.

One of the men is described as being of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean appearance, in
his mid 20s, about 185cm tall with a large, muscular build, short dark hair and a well
maintained beard.

At the time he wore a t-shirt, shorts and runners.

The second man is described as being of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean appearance, in
his mid 20s, with a solid, muscular build.

"I'd just ask anyone who might have witnessed the assault or have information that
might assist the police investigation to come forward and speak with detectives," Mr Lee
said.

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