An 18-year-old man has been released on bail following his involvement in an incident in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley that allegedly resulted in a Good Samaritan being stabbed while attempting to intervene in a fight. The victim, Lilian Makusa, a 21-year-old French backpacker, was wounded in the chest and shoulder around 3:30 AM.
Makusa, who is in Australia on a working holiday visa, shared his frightening experience from his hospital bed, describing the moment he realised he was seriously injured after seeing blood on his body. He had been enjoying a night out when he intervened in a violent altercation. He recounted that after pushing one of the aggressors away, he was stabbed three times.
The accused, Jack Pereria and Jackson Martin, were apprehended on charges related to the attack after they allegedly fled the scene. They appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court, where it was disclosed that Martin was granted bail since he was not identified as the person who inflicted the stab wounds, although he was involved in the brawl. In contrast, Pereria did not request bail and was remanded in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for August 25. His family was visibly upset during the proceedings.
Makusa had planned to return to France shortly, but his release has been postponed due to his injuries; he is expected to remain hospitalised for at least another five days. He expressed concern for the young men accused of stabbing him, stating that despite their age, he hopes authorities can ensure they remain accountable.