Detectives have charged three boys following investigations into the alleged serious assault of an 18-year-old man at a shopping centre in Cairns City on February 15.
It will be alleged that around 3pm an Edmonton man was approached by three boys known to him inside the McLeod Street shopping centre and held him in a head-lock.
The man managed to break free and was allegedly chased by the trio to the food court where one of the boys picked up a chair and struck him on the head. The man then fell to the floor, hitting his head a second time.
He was allegedly kicked several times by the group before his mobile phone was stolen.
The man was transported to hospital with serious head injuries and later underwent surgery for a fractured skull.
Ongoing investigations have led to a 16-year-old Mooroobool boy being charged with grievous bodily harm and common assault.
A 16-year-old Bayview Heights boy has also been charged with grievous bodily harm, stealing and wilful damage.
A 12-year-old boy has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.
