Posted: 16:43, August 21, 2022 | Updated: 16:43, 21 August 2022
A young gay artist brutally knocked unconscious by five thugs in a suspected ‘hate crime’ has shared chilling photos and footage of his horrific injuries as the hunt for his assailants continues. Aaron, 33, says he was kicked, punched and stomped on while trying to avoid an altercation with the group of unknown men on Sydney’s Oxford Street after a Saturday night out in June. He was rushed to hospital where he later woke up not knowing where he was, covered in blood, with a broken nose and swollen shut eyes. As NSW Police launch a public appeal and release CCTV images, Aaron has found the courage to bravely break his silence about the physical, emotional and financial toll the vicious attack has taken on him in the two months since. In a shocking post, Aaron says he’s lucky to be alive as he shared head-to-head footage of the extensive damage to his mouth and teeth that left him with a $10,000 medical bill. Aaron suffered extensive facial injuries after being kicked, punched and stomped on by five men in June He also revealed that he suffered a concussion while filming his injuries due to inflammation around his brain and ears. “I hold my hand to my heart when I say that I would not wish anyone to go through this, I wanted to hide and this is so big for me to share, it took a lot of energy, building strength to post and pray the public can to dispense justice in a sane/moral manner,” he wrote. “I will have a $10,000 dental bill, physical therapy, counseling, doctor and dentist appointments as a result of the hate crime.” “Please help, share and repost this post so that I and others can stop this unnecessary violence!” Aaron has since been inundated with support from fans, with friends setting up an online fundraiser for the man they described as a beautiful soul. Aaron (pictured before the attack) found the courage to speak out about the attack Friends have rallied around Aaron (pictured in hospital) following the horrific attack “I thought I’d try to make amends and help someone I care about,” wrote Alejandro Barreno. “I have created this page to help Aaron get the justice he deserves after this disgusting attack. It is unbelievable and so sad that these acts are still happening. Let’s show these people that in times like this we all come together.’ “He had a broken nose, his eyes were bruised and his mouth and teeth were displaced. “No one should be the victim of a hate crime against the peaceful and happy LGTBQIA+ community. Please help me share and repost this page so we can stop these horrific acts of violence against our community.’ Surry Hills Police have renewed their public appeal by releasing images of a number of men who would like to speak about the incident which happened in Darlinghurst on the corner of Oxford and Riley Street at around 4am on June 26. Aaron (pictured) says he’s lucky to be alive after being kicked, punched and stomped on “Five men tried to start a fight with the victim, the victim tried to avoid the confrontation and walked away,” police said. “One of the men approached the victim and punched him several times in the face, causing facial injuries. The victim was later taken to hospital due to his injuries.” Anyone who witnessed or has information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. NSW Police renewed their appeal by sharing CCTV images of several of the men
