Australian government officials have waived a $1,000 bill sent to brave Cumbrian Danny Hodgson over his ambulance journey on the night he nearly died.

Mr Hodgson revealed that he had been invoiced by debt collectors for the ambulance trip to hospital after he was attacked in September 2021.

The footballer, who was critically injured in the unprovoked attack, said it was a case of "being kicked while I am down" to be billed for the four-figure cost due to St John Ambulance.

But after Mr Hodgson's revelation caused an outcry, it has now been confirmed that the invoice has been withdrawn.

A government spokesperson in Perth, Western Australia, said: “The Health Minister’s Office contacted St John WA upon becoming aware of the collection notice issued to Danny Hodgson.

“Mr Hodgson does not need to pay this invoice.”

The invoice was for $1,006, sent by debt recovery agency Baycorp, adding that if payment was not received within seven days, "further action" may be taken against Mr Hodgson.

The west Cumbrian, 27, was critically injured in 2021 after the unprovoked attack in Perth, and has since had to embark on a gruelling journey.

He spent 186 days in hospital and has had to learn to walk again, as well as other basic functions.

In the statement he issued before the invoice was withdrawn, Mr Hodgson said: "Being chased by a debt collection company for the fee for St John Ambulance to take me to Royal Perth Hospital on the night of my unprovoked attack has been enormously stressful, and once again it feels like my family and I are being kicked while we are down.

“This demand for payment hasn’t just created financial pressure – it is taken an emotional toll too.

“Everything has been ripped away from us with one cowardly attack and yet the system still wants more and there is nothing we can do about it. Where is the justice?”

Mr Hodgson, a former Carlisle United youth team player, has faced further health challenges in recent months and has criticised the system which he says is not helping him.

“Every day I am trying my best, working hard and doing my rehab from home and the challenges just keep coming and coming,” he said.

“I had another seizure over Christmas and have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Epilepsy – a life sentence.

“We have no money coming in and I am not eligible for a disability payment so how are we expected to pay this ambulance bill?

“The future is so uncertain especially with the lack of help from government. The bottom line is innocent victims shouldn’t have their lives and the lives of everyone around them destroyed by one punch attacks.

“There is a way to stop this and that is harsher penalties. The justice system needs to be overhauled so victims are treated with compassion and supported financially, emotionally and physically.”

Last March a 17-year-old Australian boy was jailed for three years and eight months over the attack.