Horrific CCTV footage shows how Ricky Hema brutally attacked several people in an afternoon of violence after taking methamphetamine
WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT
A Sydney man has been jailed over a meth-fuelled rampage during which he randomly attacked seven strangers, including a musician whose head he repeatedly stomped on.
CCTV footage showed "the astounding ferocity" of the five stomps, including the final one that involved Ricky Hema leaping on to the head of the motionless Oliver Goss, Judge Helen Syme said in the NSW District Court on Monday, AAP reported.
Speaking outside court after Hema was jailed for at least five years and three months, Goss said he hoped his attacker could be rehabilitated, noting "the whole ice [meth] thing is a scourge on our society".
"I just really want and hope that Mr Hema and his family and everyone involved can get on with their lives and hopefully progress and be part of society again."
Hema, 36, was charged over five assaults that happened over almost three hours on January 24, 2016, in Sydney's southwest.
He pleaded guilty to four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and three of common assault.
In jailing him for a maximum of seven years on Monday, Judge Syme said Hema was well aware that using methamphetamine caused him to feel paranoid and aggressive, and was associated with him committing crimes.
In unprovoked attacks, he punched and kicked his first two victims at a Punchbowl hotel, before leaving and later stopping his car in front of one being driven by a third man.
"Mr Hema got out of his car and approached the driver's side and punched him at least four times in the face and said 'I am going to kill you'," the judge said.
Hema tried to pull the driver out of the car, but the man managed to drive off.
Goss was punched to the side of his face, causing him to fall to the ground in the carpark of a Campsie block of units before Hema repeatedly stomped on his head.
He lost consciousness, spent four days in hospital and recovered from his head injuries after timely medical intervention.
CCTV footage showed 'the astounding ferocity' of the stomps. Photo / Supplied
Hema also punched two men at a Burwood hotel, rendering one unconscious; and another man at a Belfield pub.
The judge noted the physical and mental pain suffered by the victims, who were also affected by the suddenness and randomness of the attacks.
Hema had used illicit drugs for many years, had served time in jail and had a family who continued to support him.
"Drug addicts who commit crime should not be added to the list of victims," the judge said.
Hema also attacked a man at the Punchbowl hotel. Photo / Supplied
