Phillip Island resident Cherie is recovering in hospital after being stabbed multiple times and suffering a fractured leg in a random attack in Melbourne's central business district on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026. Her 10-year-old son was also punched during the incident.

The attack occurred near Victoria Police Headquarters on Spencer Street. Cherie's eldest son alerted police to the assault. Cherie had travelled to Melbourne with her three sons for routine cancer treatment scans.

Cherie's brother, Kirk Holt, reported that she sustained four stab wounds, ligament damage around her neck and shoulder, and a fractured leg. He expressed concern about the safety of Melbourne's CBD following the attack.

The family is deeply worried, with the children missing their mother and feeling wary about walking the streets.

Jerry Sowood, a 27-year-old man from Sunshine West, faced court on August 26th charged with several offences including intentionally causing injury and conduct endangering life. It is alleged that he punched Cherie's son before stabbing her multiple times with a pair of scissors.

The family has appealed for more to be done to address violent crime in Melbourne's city center.

Sources

ABC Australia News