The Block judge Shaynna Blaze has revealed she could have died after being violently attacked while walking her dog.
**CONTENT WARNING: The following discusses assault and may be distressing for some readers.
ICYMI: The famed interior designer was randomly attacked in Melbourne on April 18, 2020, during which she was punched in the back of the head.
The perpetrator also “attempted to quieten” her cries for help “by putting his hand around her face and mouth” during the attack.
Reflecting on the harrowing incident to Herald Sun on December 10, the 59-year-old admitted she was “lucky” the situation didn’t end up much worse.
“I was king hit and we know from so many king hits that people have died in the street,” Blaze explained.
“It was an unprovoked attack and it was very violent, and that is the truth of the matter.
“It was not just someone who came and did a little punch, it was violent.”
She added that the fact that the shocking incident took place during lockdown meant that “no one” else was around to help her, forcing her to fend for herself.
The Block’s Shaynna Blaze Speaks Out After the Man Who Bashed Her In an Unprovoked Attack Is Jailed
On August 22 this year, Mark Surmon was jailed for 100 days after being found guilty of unlawful assault.
After being sentenced on April 5, The Block judge’s attacker immediately appealed his imprisonment.
The 40-year-old was granted bail that same day.
Blaze has revealed she is “pleased that the judicial process has now been concluded”.
“The perpetrator has been sentenced for his actions”, she said, as reported by the Herald Sun.
“Crimes like this need to stop, and punishment and rehabilitation are both important levers for our society,”
Shaynna Blaze Voices Wishes for Her Attacker to Seek Help
The popular TV personality also voiced her wishes for Surmon to undergo rehabilitation to avoid further attacks.
“I hope he gets the help he needs so this doesn’t happen to anyone else,” she said.
Surmon was also given a community corrections order with drug and mental health treatment conditions along with jail time.
According to the Herald Sun, court documents revealed that Surmon’s lawyers argued their client’s schizophrenia was “poorly managed” at the time of the attack.
However, doctors ruled it was “unclear” whether his mental health status was linked to the assault.
If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also talk to someone from 1800RESPECT via online chat. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
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