Source : Perth Now news
A mother allegedly stabbed repeatedly while defending her son from a random attack in Melbourne’s CBD has broken her silence about the ordeal.
Speaking to 9News while recovering in hospital, Cherie Holt said her main concern was still for her 10-year-old son after he was allegedly set upon by Jerry Sowood, 27, on Tuesday.
Ms Holt and three sons, from Phillip Island, were in the Victorian capital to get a regular MRI scan for the 10-year-old, who is battling brain cancer.
The boy was allegedly set upon by Mr Sowood as the family walked past the Victorian Police headquarters in Spencer St.
Ms Holt was allegedly stabbed with scissors trying to fend off her son’s attacker.
“A blow like that to any child’s head could have devastating consequences,” Ms Holt told 9News in a statement on Friday.
“But knowing my son has an inoperable brain tumour made what had just happened even more terrifying.”
Ms Holt yelled for her 16-year-old son to get the police as she intervened.
“I stood between the man and my children because there was absolutely no way I was going to let him get to them again,” she continued.
Bystanders managed to subdue Mr Sowood, pinning him down as they tried to flag down emergency services.
Mr Sowood, from Sunshine West, has been charged with affray, intentionally cause injury and unlawful assault, conduct endanger life and conduct endanger serious injury.
He rejected offers for legal assistance during a court appearance on Wednesday – instead addressing the court directly.
“I took a scissors and I stabbed a woman, I was in a mental state of mind,” he told the court.
“There was three people, they kicked and punched me in the head.
“At least they’re both still breathing so I keep my humanity, they might be a bit traumatised.”
Mr Sowood declined to apply for bail and said he did not want to speak to a custody nurse as he was “religious”.
Asked by the magistrate if he was on any medication or had any diagnosis, he responded: “I was in mental state of mind, what I do”.
His microphone was muted after Mr Caltabiano expressed concern there was “no need” to comment on the allegations at this stage.
Mr Sowood will return to court in November.
