Karratha coward punch: Robert Mongoo released on bail after allegedly leaving victim in coma

A 21-year-old Pegs Creek man has been released on bail after he fronted court over an alleged coward punch attack outside a Karratha nightclub on the weekend, which left the victim in a coma. Robert Mongoo appeared before the Karratha Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with grievous bodily harm for an assault alleged to have occurred outside Evolution Lounge Bar. Police alleged that Mr Mongoo and a friend were at the night spot on Saturday when they were involved in a verbal altercation and asked to leave. It is unclear whether the victim was involved in the altercation inside the nightclub. It is alleged that once the pair were outside, the victim began walking towards Mr Mongoo’s friend. Mr Mongoo is alleged to have run up behind the victim and punched him twice in the back of the head, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement. The police prosecutor said the victim was taken to Karratha Health Campus and then conveyed to Royal Perth Hospital via RFDS. She said the victim was currently in an induced coma, and doctors had been unable to assess his injuries fully. The police prosecutor said the victim had a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain, and could die as a result of his injuries. Mr Mongoo’s lawyer, George Georgiou said the victim was in a critical but stable condition. “It is not unusual for someone to be in an induced coma with this sort of injury and come out of it,” he said. Mr Georgiou said Mr Mongoo was seeking bail and was willing to not consume any alcohol as part of bail conditions. Magistrate Gavin Maclean granted bail subject to a $4000 personal undertaking and a $4000 surety. Mr Mongoo is yet to enter a plea, with his next appearance before the Karratha Magistrates Court on September 20.