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THE father of Robert Scott, who is fighting for his life in a Sydney hospital, has spoken to The Advocate.
Robert, 26, who grew up in Pacific Palms, was brutally attacked on a residential street in the US on August 17. He is in a coma at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney after he was flown by Lear jet from the US last week.
His father Stephen Scott, who maintained a bedside vigil with his son in the US, returned home to Sydney on Wednesday (October 8).
“It’s probably been the worst couple of months of my life,” Stephen Scott told The Advocate.
“Having said that we have met a lot of supportive people both here and in the US. The heartbreak and sadness has definitely been tempered by all of the support. The support has been overwhelming.
“Rob’s a very fun guy. He has a great joy of living life and part of that was travelling. He just spent six months in Canada and studied for six months at a university in Arizona in the US.
“He’s always had a love of travel. Before he set off he was teaching in Tamworth where he saved to go to Canada to work on the ski fields.”
Reports that an insurance company would not pay for Robert's $US 1 million in medical costs because he had a blood alcohol level of .24 when he was attacked were unfounded, Stephen Scott said.
“He’s got travel insurance and were expecting it will cover the medical costs in full.”
Mr Scott said while the police investigation continues, the family are concentrating on Robert and his recovery.
"When Robert breathes on his own the next step will be getting him rehabilitation," he said.
“He’s got extensive injuries. His life has changed forever. We’re talking about years of recovery here. We know he’s got a long way to go so we're all remaining positive.”
The family has hired Fresno lawyer Benjamin Tryk and has been supported by the Australian consulate in San Francisco.
"We have a good attorney and the help we received from the Australian government over there was fantastic."
Mr Scott said he is frustrated the man was released without charge.
"There wasn't sufficient evidence which is frustrating.
"Seeing violence at this level - you can't fathom it."
Police investigations are continuing.