Disabled man with acquired brain injury allegedly robbed by teenagers

Two teenagers have been charged after a man with an acquired brain injury was allegedly assaulted and robbed in Melbourne’s west.

Police allege the brutal attack happened at a shopping centre on Fitzgerald Rd about 11.40 am on September 2.

The teenagers persuaded the man to buy cigarettes for them before he has led down a laneway in Sunshine West and threatened with a knife, it is alleged.

Police said the man had his face beaten and his mobile phone stolen.

He was taken to hospital where he stayed overnight for treatment to his injuries.

Diego Fakalata, 18, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with eight offences, including armed robbery, unlawful assault by kicking, and recklessly causing injury.

He was also charged with possessing drugs on the day he was arrested, September 14. Fakalata did not apply for bail and will next appear in court in December.

A 16-year-old from St Albans has also been charged.