Three Irish backpackers, including one Westmeath girl, who were travelling in Australia were viciously assaulted last week during an unprovoked attack which started over a cigarette.
According to reports, the three young women from Westmeath, Galway, and Dublin, and their Swedish friend, were attacked by three aboriginal girls outside a take-away in the east coast town of Bundaberg. The row had started when the tourists refused to give them cigarettes.
CCTV footage, which was viewed by investigating police, clearly showed the assault which took place outside Hungry Tum 24-hour eatery. The tourists were knocked to the ground, punched, and kicked by the 17-year-old aboriginal girls.
Queensland police have confirmed that it was an unprovoked attack which resulted in minor injuries; one of the women received a cut lip.
The assailants were arrested and pleaded guilty in court to the attack for which they received 14-day custodial sentences and were placed on probation for 12 months.
The Irish women, who asked not to be identified, described the experience as terrifying.
