Two punched after coming to aid of woman under attack

Laine Clark | December 7, 2023

Two good Samaritans including an 82-year-old man have been assaulted after coming to the aid of a woman outside a shopping centre, police say.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested after being accused of kicking and punching the woman before turning on the two men who tried to help her.

Police said he assaulted the woman outside Earlville Shopping Town at Cairns in far north Queensland before 6am on Saturday when the 82-year-old approached.

After telling the 33-year-old to stop, the elderly man was allegedly punched in the mouth.

A 55-year-old man then tried to intervene but was also struck in the head, police said.

The 33-year-old man then fled with the woman.

He was on Wednesday arrested and charged with a number of offences including serious assault of a person over 60.

“The woman is receiving assistance from support agencies,” a police statement said.

The good Samaritans, who did not know the 33-year-old, did not require medical treatment.

The 33-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is set to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on December 18.