A 46-year-old man ended up with multiple skull fractures after a severe beating outside of the V-Lounge at the Red Lion Inn on Douglas Street.
A 30-year-old Esquimalt man has been arrested for aggravated assault.
Saanich Police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Eassie said the circumstances are not entirely clear, but it seems at about the time of the bar’s closing on early Saturday morning, the suspect and a friend approached a group of people, including the victim.
The two wanted to speak with females in the group, but were told the women were not interested. At that point the assault occurred.
“It would appear that the victim may have tried to come to the aid of several females that were being pestered by the suspect,” Eassie said.
The assaulted man, who is from Surrey, ended up in hospital for multiple skull fractures and a broken jaw. He was expected to be released mid-week.
The assault suspect was physically restrained at the bar by staff until the police arrived. He has been released by police on a promise to appear in court and is facing a charge of aggravated assault.
The suspect has had contact with the police before, but no prior criminal convictions, Eassie said.
Saanich Police are asking anyone who witnessed the assault to contact the major crimes tip line at 250-475-4356.
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