A young French traveller who was seriously injured whilst attempting to break up a violent altercation in Fortitude Valley last week has been released from hospital and expressed his gratitude for the community support he received.
Lilian Makusa, a 21-year-old backpacker from Lille in northern France, sustained multiple stab wounds during the incident which occurred outside the heritage-listed Prince Consort Hotel on Wickham Street in the early hours of Thursday, 24 July.
The incident unfolded around 3:30am when Makusa attempted to intervene in a fight between other individuals. During the altercation, he was allegedly stabbed twice in the chest and once in the shoulder, requiring immediate hospitalisation at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Following his discharge on Monday, the young tourist shared his experience, describing the immediate aftermath of the attack. He recalled feeling confused initially, not immediately realising the severity of his injuries until he noticed the bleeding. Despite the trauma, he maintained his composure and credited both his friends and bystanders who assisted him at the scene.
Makusa, who had been in Brisbane for four months as part of an eight-month Australian working holiday, described the incident as completely unexpected, particularly given his positive impressions of the city. He had originally planned to depart for Bali this past Saturday but has now extended his stay by one week to attend follow-up medical appointments.
The attack has necessitated changes to his travel plans, with the tourist now scheduled to visit Bali before returning to France. Despite the ordeal, he expressed continued appreciation for Brisbane and its residents, noting that the incident has not diminished his overall positive experience in the city.
His family in France were understandably concerned when news of the attack reached them, though they have been reassured by his recovery progress.
Multiple news sources confirmed that emergency services responded to the scene and transported the victim to hospital with life-threatening injuries, which have since stabilised.
Two local teenagers, Jackson Martin and Jack David Pereira, both aged 18, have been charged in connection with the incident. They appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday facing various charges.
Pereira faces charges including acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed or in company, going armed so as to cause fear, and possession of a knife in a public place. He was remanded in custody with his matter adjourned until 25 August.
Martin has been charged with acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable. He was granted bail and his case was adjourned to 18 August.
The incident occurred outside the multi-level heritage hotel which features eight different bars and has been a prominent Valley venue since 1888.
This attack highlights ongoing concerns about late-night safety in the entertainment precinct, though community members and visitors continue to show support for one another during difficult circumstances.
Published 29-July-2025
