No ball for assault victim

GUESTS at a Pakenham debutante ball were presented with a vicious display of thuggery last Friday night when six men bashed the father of a debutante.
Police said the assault occurred about 11pm at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, with a 38yearold Pakenham man suffering cuts and bruises to his face.
The victim will remember the night for all the wrong reasons after he was taken to Casey Hospital, where he received stiches to treat a facial wound.
Police said six men assaulted the man outside the venue before chasing him into the cultural centre foyer and smashing him over the head with a glass jar.
Police believed the attackers, aged between 18 and 23, were attending the same function.
Pakenham Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Jury said he believed the main altercation was sparked by a minor incident that was avoidable.
“We believe a number of people witnessed the assault and we would ask them to contact the police if they have any information,” Det Sgt Jury said.
Witnesses can contact Pakenham Police on 5941 1033.