Fred Martin Magi: Accused traveller leaves man with life threatening brain bleeds in Geraldton CBD assault

A 27-year-old international traveller accused of assaulting a Geraldton man and leaving him on the street with severe head injuries will be released from custody as the alleged victim fights for his life in hospital. Fred Martin Magi, 27, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Friday charged over a brutal assault in Geraldton CBD on Wednesday night which left 43-year-old Sunset Beach man Damon Hollings unconscious lying on the street. Police forced the main street into lockdown as detectives investigated the scene. In court, prosecuting Sgt Paul White said Mr Hollings left the Freemasons Hotel after a fight had broken out. He was walking along Durlacher Street about 10pm when Mr Magi approached him and allegedly struck him in the face. The blow caused him to fall to the ground and immediately lose consciousness, the court was told. A witness found him unconscious and contacted police. Mr Hollings was rushed to Geraldton Regional Hospital before being airlifted to Perth via Royal Flying Doctor Service where he received lifesaving medical treatment. Sgt White said the 43-year-old man was treated for an intracranial haemorrhage and serious bleeding on the brain, which if left untreated, could have spread to his spine, potentially causing irreparable brain damage or death. A detective told the court it was still unclear if the injuries would result in permanent disability. “I have spoken to the doctor at Royal Perth Hospital ... his condition is still critical and the likelihood of passing is still high,” he said. Detectives were told by doctors he was neurologically stable and subject to further procedures before the man could be woken later on Friday. Police arrested Mr Magi on Thursday morning on Brand Highway in Badgingarra. The court heard he declined to comment during an interview. The 27-year-old was charged with grievous bodily harm and did not enter pleas. Defence counsel Harriet Templeton-Knight said Mr Magi has been in Australia on working holiday visas for a total of about two-and-a-half years and had no criminal history. She said he would be willing to comply with any conditions to reduce flight risk, including surrendering his passport and not entering Geraldton except to attend court. The court heard his mother was in Estonia and could sign a surety, while he had savings to put forward a personal undertaking. Sgt White said Mr Magi was a serious flight risk with no ties or connections to the country and there was a chance the alleged victim may not recover from his injuries. “The main issue we have obviously is the potential that this could turn to a more serious charge,” he said. Magistrate Melita Medcalf said it was a “very serious” allegation, but granted bail on the basis Mr Magi was young and had a clean record. “The court’s major concern is whether conditions will alleviate risk of flight,” she said. Mr Magi will be released from custody after his housemates in Cannington can surrender his passport. He was bailed with a $25,000 surety and $25,000 personal undertaking. He must live at an address in Cannington and report to the Cannington Police Station twice a week. The 27-year-old cannot approach within 10 metres of an airport. Mr Magi was granted leave to attend Perth Magistrates Court for his next appearance in Geraldton on Thursday, November 7.