A Melbourne police officer has been sacked after allegedly punching an elderly woman in the face while she was being treated in hospital.
Sylvia Villani, 70, says the officer punched her at Epping Northern Hospital in April.
The 26-year-old officer has since been charged with reckless injury and has been suspended following an internal investigation.
The distraught woman suffered a fractured eye socket in the alleged attack, which she said occurred for no reason.
“I threw some bread on the floor. My leg was in a cast,” he said. 9 News.
‘I was in a wheelchair and he punched me.’
The 70-year-old woman said the alleged attack was painful and left her eye “black and blue.”
Ms Villani is still unable to walk or sit and cannot understand why the alleged attack occurred.
Sylvia Villani, 70, (pictured), was allegedly punched in the face by a Victoria Police officer while being treated in hospital.
“I called him some nasty names, I wasn’t happy, (but) he didn’t deserve it,” she said.
Ms Villani’s family say they only found out what had happened after doctors called them.
His son Rick said he was told three police officers were sent to the hospital for another incident before the alleged assault occurred.
He was “absolutely devastated” when he found out what had allegedly happened to his mother and is “still in shock”.
Three months later, the 70-year-old man (pictured) is still traumatised by the alleged experience.
The alleged incident took place at North Melbourne Hospital (pictured) in April.
Mr Villani also said the family had not been given any further details.
“I know my mother has mental health issues and she is not perfect. They have treated me, my wife and my mother with no respect,” he said.
Victoria Police said the officer who allegedly punched the 70-year-old man was on duty at the time.
He has been charged with one count of recklessly causing injury and is due to appear before the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 9 September.