Melbourne, Nov.12 (ANI): Bashed Indian Australian doctor Mukesh Haikerwal today bravely faced his attackers in court after recovering from head injuries that almost killed him last year.lfer Azzopardi, Michael Baltatzis and Sean Gabriel have admitted to attacking the former Australian Medical Association boss and robbing others during a violent spree last year.

Dr. Haikerwal was called today to give evidence against the gang, but was spared cross-examination, the Herald Sun and The Age reports.

Azzopardi, 21, and Baltatzis, 21, have pleaded guilty to 23 armed robberies, nine attempted armed robberies and a string of assaults over hold-ups in August and September last year.

Gabriel, 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was only involved on the night Dr Haikerwal was hurt.

Azzopardi, the alleged ringleader, denied he swung the baseball bat that cracked the respected GP's skull in a Williamstown park.

His co-accused told police it was Azzopardi but when Baltatzis was called to give evidence refused to confirm it, claiming he would get stabbed in prison if he told.

Judge Jo Gullaci said he saw no sign of Baltatzis being sorry in spite of his guilty pleas.

Dr Haikerwal sat in the County Court during today's plea hearing, which was told sentences up to 18 years would be called for by the prosecution.

The hearing continues. (ANI)