Stirling train station bashing victim Matthew Henson, 20, wakes from induced coma as alleged teen attackers prepare for court appearance

A young man who was allegedly bashed by a group of teenagers at Stirling train station has woken from an induced coma as the five schoolboys charged over the attack prepare to face court for the first time next week. Matthew Henson, 20, was in a coma in the intensive care unit at Royal Perth Hospital since February 13. The West Australian understands his condition improved this week and he has now been transferred out of ICU. He is now in a serious but stable condition but is expected to remain in hospital for some time. It is unclear if he will make a full recovery. A friend wrote on social media this week: “Never been happier to hear the news your eyes opened today, even if it was briefly, I can’t wait to see you. Small steps brother you got this. So f... happy there’s progress bro, if anyone can overcome this ... you’ll be the one to do it.” It is understood the teens, aged between 14 and 16, could have attacked Mr Henson as retribution for a previous altercation. Police will allege the accused boys, all students at Perth’s biggest State school Churchlands Senior High School, got off a bus at Stirling station about 1.45pm. One of the group allegedly ran up behind Mr Henson and fly-kicked him in the back, causing him to fall to the ground. Five of six teenagers then allegedly kicked and stamped on the defenceless victim, including his head, as he lay helpless. After the ambush, one of the boys allegedly stole Mr Henson’s shoes. Another took his bag. Churchlands SHS principal Neil Hunt confirmed in a letter to parents that the boys had been suspended for the maximum allowable period of 10 days. “The school’s executive take violent behaviour very seriously and have already applied our own sanctions to all students allegedly involved in the incident,” he said. The West understands the suspension concluded this week but it was expected the accused boys would not return to school until after their first court appearances. An Education Department spokeswoman said it did not discuss disciplinary arrangements for individual students but confirmed “a range of options” was being considered regarding the future of their education. The five boys have been charged with aggravated robbery and acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. A sixth was released without charge. They will appear in Perth Children’s Court on Tuesday.