Police hunting man who left uni student permanently disabled 10 years ago

Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man who coward punched a Monash University law student nearly 10 years ago.

James Macready-Bryan suffered an acquired brain injury after a single punch to the head and a subsequent blow when he fell to the footpath on a night out in Melbourne’s CBD in 2006.

The night he was struck was Mr Macready-Bryan’s 20^th birthday.

His convicted attacker, 29-year-old Daniel Harrell, is now wanted by police for allegedly refusing to answer bail for new charges relating to car theft.

James’s father Andrew Macready-Bryan said his son still lives in specialist accommodation and needs around-the-clock care.

“He’s wasted James’s life, but why waste his own life, there’s no reason to,” Mr Macready-Bryan told 9NEWS.

“My first thought [about the warrant] and reaction was one of immense disappointment.

“After the incident happened, it resulted in a prison sentence for a young person, we were hoping for a better outcome. He has the option of changing the way he looks at life.”

Victoria’s Victims of Crime Commissioner Greg Davies said the public had a “right to be concerned” about alleged offences whilst on bail.

“It’s a matter that needs to be addressed,” he said.

“People have every right to ask that question – how can someone be continually granted bail?”

Harrell is 190cm tall, has a medium build with fair skin, blue eyes and short brown hair.

He is known to frequent the Rowville, Fairfield and Oakleigh areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.