Matthew Dance, 24, of North Street, Koroit, and two alleged co-offenders have been charged with intentionally causing serious injury after Leigh Matthew, 25, was bashed in late October.

Alleged co-offenders Ben Parker-Giblin, 18, and Leon Keane, 19, were released on bail soon after the assault. They have made admissions to police about their involvement in the assault.

Magistrate Jonathan Klestadt yesterday released Mr Dance on bail but imposed stringent conditions.

As well as the $50,000 surety, Mr Dance has to report to the Warrnambool Police Station every day, he is not allowed to contact any prosecution witness, a 9pm to 6am curfew has been imposed, he cannot leave Victoria and is not allowed in Warrnambool except to report to police or attend court or medical appointments.

Mr Dance's mother and step-father have put up their home as surety. Police yesterday opposed Mr Dance's application for bail.

Detective Senior Constable Colin Ryan yesterday told Warrnambool Magistrates Court that between 2am and 4am on October 27, Mr Dance approached a number of people in Timor Street offering $100 to whoever would bash Mr Matthew.

He said about 4am one of two alleged co-offenders approached Mr Matthew from behind, called out "hey mate'' and as the alleged victim turned, king hit him to the face with a clenched fist. The victim fell and struck his head on the ground.

The other alleged co-offender then hit the victim five or six times to the head before realising Mr Matthew was unconscious.

Mr Matthew was then taken to Warrnambool's Southwest Healthcare before being flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with bleeding on the brain.

The police officer said his clear understanding was that the assault was a payback for Mr Matthew making a statement to police about a Horsham matter for which Mr Dance was jailed on May 27, 2005.

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