Full Breakdown
Hospital Patient Charged with Attempted Murder After Petrol Attack
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On a Tuesday night at about 10:45 p.m., detectives allege that Raymond James Dungay, a 48-year-old patient on the spinal ward of Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick, poured petrol from a drink bottle onto three fellow patients—54-year-old Randovan Banic, a 63-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman—and ignited the accelerant on Banic. Staff extinguished the flame quickly. Banic sustained burns; the other two patients received minor injuries and remained stable. Dungay was arrested, charged with two counts of attempted murder, common assault and two counts of intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and remains in custody under police guard. He did not apply for bail at a Thursday hearing and is scheduled to appear again on December 8.
Background & Context
Violence against patients and staff has been reported in New South Wales public hospitals, prompting health officials to monitor safety protocols. The incident occurred in the spinal unit of one of Sydney’s largest hospitals, raising concerns about security measures to prevent attacks involving concealed liquids.
Data & Statistics
- Perpetrator: Raymond James Dungay, 48, patient on the spinal ward.
- Victims: Randovan Banic, 54 (burns); a 63-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman (minor injuries).
- Charges: Two counts of attempted murder, common assault, two counts of intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- Time of attack: Approximately 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday night.
- Legal timeline: Bail denied on Thursday; next court date set for December 8.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ryan Park, NSW Health Minister: Described the event as “very concerning and serious,” apologized to patients and staff, and ordered a review.
- Sarah Mitchell, NSW Shadow Health Minister: Called the attack “deeply disturbed” and “beyond unacceptable,” emphasizing that safety must be “non-negotiable.”
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District spokesperson: Stated staff responded quickly, notified police, and that there is no ongoing risk to patients or staff. Support is being offered to those affected.
- Michael Whaites, General Secretary of the Nurses and Midwives Association: Urged an investigation into the circumstances and called for systemic changes.
- Lauren Hutchins, Assistant Secretary of the NSW Health Services Union: Expressed alarm at the level of violence in hospitals.
Criticism & Opposition
Victim Randovan Banic argued the attack was “1 million per cent” preventable, stating, “He shouldn’t have even been there,” highlighting criticism of security policies that allow patients to bring concealed containers onto wards.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the severity of Banic’s injuries—some describe his burns as “minor,” others as “serious.” Reports also vary on whether Dungay was on bail for a separate offence at the time of the attack.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was coming towards me, and then all of a sudden he f---ing doused me with petrol,” — Randovan Banic
- “This could have been completely catastrophic, and serious as it was, it could have been a lot, lot worse,” — Ryan Park
What’s Next
Dungay will remain in custody until his December 8 court appearance. The Health Minister’s ordered review is ongoing, and hospital authorities are considering additional support measures for staff.