A fast-food worker has told of the terrifying moment he was verbally and physically abused by two men while working at a McDonald's store, south of Adelaide.
The 20-year-old staff member, who wanted to be identified as Akshay, said he was attacked while delivering food to a customer's vehicle outside of a Melrose Park store at about 2:00am on Tuesday.
The attack has prompted more calls for authorities to start enforcing new tougher penalties for assaulting fast-food workers.
Akshay said he had asked a customer to park his vehicle in a waiting bay while waiting for an order about 1:50am.
"He was not happy with that, so he came out of the car and I just opened the gate and he was already standing over there," he said.
"First of all he verbally abused me, so I just handed over the food and asked him to stop abusing me.
"He didn't listen to me and just punched me very hard.
"After that, he started to again beat me, so I was not able to do anything."
He said another man then got out of the car to join in the abuse, and his glasses were broken in the assault.
"Then the other guy came out of his car and he also started abusing me, and they both were trying to beat me, which led to these cuts on my face," he said.
"They threatened me that they would see me later on and will kill me."
He said his manager then intervened, locking the store door to keep the two men outside, calling the police.
"They wanted to come inside, but the manager locked the door to protect me," he said.
The victim said the assault had impacted his mental health to the point that he struggled to sleep.
"For two days, I was not able to sleep," he said.
"I made a complaint to the police, but I've seen nothing done further.
"I want this person to be punished, [they] should be behind bars."
The latest attack follows another incident at McDonald’s on Hindley Street, in Adelaide's CBD, last October where a worker was spat at and verbally abused.
In September this year, South Australia introduced harsher penalties for people who assault retail workers.
Perpetrators who attack retail workers will be handed the same punishments as those for assaulting a police officer or paramedic.
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) has called for the individuals involved to face punishment.
“Were seeing far too many instances like this occurring, not just in the fast food, but also throughout the retail sector as well," SDA chief of staff Jordan Mumford said.
“We’re certainly calling for the individual involved here to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“You could be seeing the inside of a jail cell … if you physically assault a fast-food or retail worker in their line of work."
Mr Mumford said the SDA had seen an increase in reports of abuse to workers during the festive period.
“That is really difficult for their mental health and we are having increased instances of workers with anxiety about going to work because of these types of behaviours," he said.
'Anti-social behaviour is not tolerated'
In a statement, McDonald's Australia said the health and safety of its people and customers was its top priority.
“Anti-social behaviour is not tolerated in our restaurants and we expect our people to be treated with respect at all times," the statement said.
“We will always do our best for our customers, but we won’t accept abuse, intimidation, threats or violence towards our employees.
“The restaurant is supporting crew and assisting police with their investigation.”
SA Police say they are investigating the incident.
"Thankfully the victim was not seriously injured and did not require treatment, the suspect is not known to the victim," police said.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
