A young man's night out in Sydney's central business district turned into a nightmare last year, leaving him with life-altering injuries after a violent confrontation allegedly sparked by a mobile phone.
Violent Confrontation Over an iPhone
According to police allegations, the incident unfolded in the early hours of September 21 last year near World Square. It is claimed that French national Ismail Belhout, 20, who did not know the victim, held up his phone towards Francis Wilson, also 20.
Police state that Wilson then approached and grabbed the device, which ignited a physical struggle. The police statement of facts alleges that Belhout then wrapped his arm around Wilson's neck, dragged him to the ground, and was joined by others before Wilson was kicked in the head.
"The victim's neck snapped back instantly, his head hitting the ground hard, causing it to bounce twice," the police fact sheet states. "He was instantly knocked unconscious for about 20 seconds." The accused allegedly fled the scene and did not return.
Devastating Injuries and Long Road to Recovery
The consequences for Francis Wilson, a Fijian national and labourer, have been catastrophic. The impact shattered part of his skull and he was rendered unconscious. He has since undergone multiple emergency brain surgeries.
During life-saving surgery, a section of his skull had to be removed. He is currently living in a rehabilitation centre, where he has been forced to relearn basic motor functions like eating and drinking. He is now preparing for a third major operation as doctors work to protect his brain.
"He's got a big divot in his head at the moment where he actually has no skull, so there's nothing protecting his brain," his sister-in-law, Keira Bale, told the Sydney Morning Herald. She described Wilson as a "gentle, family-orientated man" who is still recovering from the brutal attack.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Ismail Belhout has been charged with reckless grievous bodily harm while in company and affray. The court heard during his bail application that he had arrived in Australia the same month as the alleged attack. His brother told the court Belhout had been "extremely stressed and frantic" in custody due to limited English.
Belhout was granted bail in early December under strict conditions, which include daily police reporting, a curfew, and a ban on approaching international departure points. He was to live with his brother in Ultimo and continue working as an Uber driver.
Belhout is due to face court on February 17. A second man, also a French national, remains before the courts over the same incident.
