Edward Miranda, 21, a student of the University of Newcastle, was mauled in front of a bus stop in Newcastle. Suddenly, a car stopped and one of the passengers demanded for his wallet. Thinking it was a joke, he did not comply and was hit a number of times on his face and body. After the assailants fled, onlookers brought him to a hospital where he was treated for injuries.
According to our informant, the young Miranda was initially confined at the Intensive Care Unit but was released soon after and was declared out of danger. A few days later, he felt different and was brought back to the hospital for a CT scan. The test revealed internal haemorrhage close to his brain.
He needs only one more semester to complete his studies in International Business but may have to return soon to his hometown in Cebu City because of serious damage that he sustained during the attack.
Edward is a grandnephew of Ambassador Frank Benedicto. International students in Newcastle have been targets of robbery and assault since the start of the economic downturn. Edward is the youngest son of Erwin and Marissa Miranda who are now in Sydney because of the incident. – ?