Overview
- A man allegedly punched the 10-year-old and then stabbed his mother as the family walked near Victoria Police headquarters in Melbourne on Tuesday.
- Cherie Holt was treated in hospital for multiple stab wounds and a broken leg and her son, who has an inoperable brain tumour, was taken to a children's hospital for an MRI and care.
- Police arrested 27‑year‑old Jerry/Jeremy Sowood, charged him with multiple offences and reported he told a magistrate he had punched the boy and stabbed the woman; he refused bail and legal assistance.
- Bystanders intervened to restrain the attacker and the family has publicly thanked them while relatives have launched a fundraising appeal to cover medical and living costs.
- The attack has left the children traumatised and prompted the family to call on the state government for tougher penalties and renewed debate about street violence and public safety.