Edward Miranda, Filipino student at Newcastle University was reported in the October 2009 issue of Philippine Sentinel to have been robbed and bashed by a towering Caucasian in front of a bus stop in Newcastle. The incident happened in the early evening of 27 August 2009 at the Jesmond Shopping Centre in Newcastle.
In a police report, Edward described his assailant as “a Caucasian male” who stood well over 6 feet tall. The young Miranda is a diminutive, frail looking 21-yr. old Filipino of Chinese descent. He is just slightly over 5’6 in height.
Edward, together with his brother Eric Miranda and two other friends just finished dinner at a Chinese restaurant inside the shopping centre when he was approached by a white Aussie who demanded for his wallet.
He only had a $20 note in his wallet and willingly gave it to his attacker. Obviously unimpressed by the small amount, the man punched him on his face. The blow was so powerful that he “felt dazed and stunned.”
Together with his two companions, Edward ran to the shopping centre where they waited for the police to arrive. Soon after, an ambulance took him to John Hunter Hospital where he was treated for injuries sustained on his right cheek.
Because of numbness felt on his right cheek, Edward went to University Health Services for a CT scan about a week later after the incident. The scan revealed multiple fractures on his skull. He had to undergo surgery to have a metal plate with 5 screws placed on his cheek to correct the fracture.
As a result of the incident, Edward’s studies at Newcastle University had been disrupted. He had withdrawn from his studies in Newcastle and plans to transfer to a university in Sydney to complete his course in Business Management.
Edward’s companions reported the registration number of the car which the assailant boarded after the attack. The car registration no. is contained in COPS Event No. E38584019 at the Newcastle City Local Area Command.
The statement made by Edward Miranda was taken by Detective Senior Constable Gary Quilter.
The white car was driven by a Caucasian female with “shoulder length dark brown messy hair and wearing a white singlet.”
As of this writing, nothing has been heard about any arrest made by Newcastle Police. It has been alleged that Asian-looking students are favorite targets of drug addicts in Newcastle. There are quite a number of Filipinos and other Asians studying at Newcastle University who are not covered by HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme) and therefore have to pay upfront their tuition fees. Money paid by international students support the continued existence of many universities in Australia. Parents of these students expect more action from the government to ensure the safety of their children. – ?