Police are appealing for help to find this man.
By Casey Neill
A PARKING inspector is recovering from a broken nose and cut eye following an unprovoked afternoon attack in Belgrave last week.
Lilydale CIU Detective Mark Molloy has appealed for help from the public to find the man responsible.
He said a 53-year-old Yarra Ranges Council by-laws officer was writing a parking ticket in a car park off Hillside Court in Belgrave, near the Cameo Theatre, when the attack took place about 4.15pm on Monday 17 May.
His attacker, a man aged in his mid 30s or 40s, was sitting on the ground nearby eating fish and chips.
He started yelling at the victim about writing the ticket before approaching and punching him in the face several times. He then fled on foot.
Det Molloy said police had spoken to the car’s female owner and found she had no connection to the attacker.
He said they did not know what sparked the assault.
The victim reported the attack at nearby Belgrave Police Station and was taken to The Angliss Hospital for treatment for a broken nose and a cut above his left eye.
Shire planning and local laws director Andrew Paxton condemned the “deplorable” assault.
“The attack was unprovoked and could have resulted in the death or serious injury of the officer,” he said.
“No one deserves to be attacked for doing their job.”
Mr Paxton said parking officers played an important role in ensuring shoppers and visitors had access to parking in and around shopping precincts.
He hoped any witnesses would assist the police with their investigation.
Det Molloy said police needed help to find the man, who was between 180 and 190 centimetres tall with a thin athletic build and short hair with a large balding patch.
He was clean shaven and wearing a grey windcheater, denim jeans and black shoes at the time of the attack.
Det Ldg Sen Const Molloy urged anyone with information to call Lilydale CIU on 9739 2401.
