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Footscray man dies after alleged assault by released immigration detainee

Footscray man dies after alleged assault by released immigration detainee

A 62-year-old man has died in hospital from injuries he sustained after an alleged serious assault in Melbourne's inner west last weekend.
The man was taken to hospital and placed on life support after he was allegedly assaulted at the intersection of Nicholson and Paisley streets in Footscray on Sunday morning.
Police arrested Friday Yokoju after the assault, charging him with intentionally causing serious injury.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said investigators would now consider alternate charges following the man's death.
The ABC understands the 43-year-old was released from immigration detention after a 2023 High Court ruling sometimes referred to as NZYQ.
The court set aside an earlier judgement that ruled indefinite immigration was lawful, which triggered the release of about 140 detainees, including Mr Yokoju.
Mr Yokoju had been remanded in custody after an initial court hearing on Monday over the assault, where his lawyer requested an urgent psychiatric assessment.
He had previously remained in the community on a bridging visa while the Department of Home Affairs worked on his deportation.
He is next expected to face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in October.

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