A student repeatedly punched and kicked two men in a vicious, unprovoked attack outside a busy Wollongong ice-creamery, a court has heard.
During the violent assault, allegedly instigated by University of Wollongong international student Daqing Wang, one victim was hit over the head with a wooden stake before being "fly kicked" into a parked car outside the Market St ice-creamery, Wollongong Local Court was told yesterday.
Opposing Wang's bid for bail, police prosecutor Karissa Mackay described the Hurstville man as a "violent person", noting the 25-year-old allegedly pulled a knife on one of the men and had threatened to kill him just hours earlier.
Police claim Wang first encountered the pair on September 8 while they partied with his girlfriend at Wollongong's Chifley Hotel, a statement before the court said.
It is alleged Wang and a male associate confronted the pair about 1am, accusing one of them of touching his girlfriend.
A physical altercation erupted and Wang allegedly repeatedly punched the man before he pulled a knife from his pocket and yelled: "I'm going to kill you."
The argument eventually subsided, but Wang's glasses were damaged during the fight, the court heard.
Police claim Wang, flanked by several other men, met the pair later that day at a Chinese restaurant in Corrimal Street to discuss compensation for his glasses, demanding $4000.
The men refused to pay, causing one of Wang's associates to allegedly warn: "If you don't pay the money, then there is no more to say, we just have to fight" before more of Wang's friends arrived at the restaurant.
Fearing for their safety, the men agreed to pay and left the eatery.
Police claim Wang followed the pair and demanded the money, guarding one of the men while the other ran to an ATM.
After he returned, it is alleged Wang and his associates violently assaulted the men, attacking them outside the ice-cream store in front of several shocked onlookers.
Wang eventually fled the scene and emergency services were called.
The pair were taken to Wollongong Hospital, where one man required stitches for a serious head wound.
Wang was charged with aggravated robbery causing wounding and robbery in company earlier this week.
Opposing bail yesterday, Sergeant Mackay cited the need to protect the alleged victims and the community.
She conceded Wang had a limited record but argued he had shown a clear disregard for public safety and was a flight risk.
Defence solicitor John Gallagher told the court Wang had not attempted to flee, noting his client would agree to surrender his passport, report to police and avoid international departure points.
Mr Gallagher said Wang denied the allegations and was due to sit his final exams this month.
Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused Wang bail.