THE ringleader of a gang that attacked Williamstown doctor Mukesh Haikerwal received a maximum jail term of 18 years and six months last Wednesday.
Dr Haikerwal underwent emergency surgery for two blood clots in his brain after being bashed in Dennis Reserve, Williamstown, on September 27 last year.
County Court Judge Joe Gullaci sentenced Alfer Jude Azzopardi, 20, of Coolaroo, to a minimum of 13 years and six months for his role in this and 33 other attacks.
Azzopardi pleaded guilty to attacks on 34 victims, including 10 women, between August 7 and September 28 in Altona, Epping, Footscray West, Glenroy, Lalor, Northcote, Pascoe Vale, Reservoir, St Albans, Strathmore, Thomastown, Thornbury, Williamstown and Yarraville.
If he had not pleaded guilty to 46 charges, including 23 armed robberies, Azzopardi would have been looking at a 23-year sentence.
His sentence is to be served concurrently with his 14-month sentence for prior offences, including armed robbery.
His co-accused, Michael Baltatzis, 20, of Glenroy, was sentenced to 16 years and six months with a non-parole period of 10 years and six months.
He pleaded guilty to the same offences as Azzopardi.
Baltatzis' mother sobbed uncontrollably outside the court room.
A third co-accused, Sean Gabriel, 20, of Hoppers Crossing, pleaded guilty to 10 charges, including five armed robberies.
He received a maximum sentence of nine years and nine months with a minimum of six years.