General Chat

I witnessed a totally unprovoked brutal attack on my street last night, and I couldnt stop thinking about it all last night, it was so upsetting as I am the only witness besides my kids and it was between two neighbours whose wives are both friends of mine, now I am in a predicament as to what to do, if I stand on the fence and dont be a witness I am betraying one and if I do I am betraying the other, but by not saying anything I am going against my nature, the guy in question who was attacked is such a quiet sweet man and no threat to anyone, and the guy that did it is renowned for being a bully boy , I must admit I am closer to the victims wife. I have already said I would be a witness, although I must admit I am feeling a bit apprehensive about it as I have to live here with both these families and like most people dont like to get involved, but I cant get what I saw out of my head, it was disgusting and so uncalled for the way this man savagely attacked the other, he has a broken nose, five stitches to the front of his head and numerous to the back, aswell as bruising and a black eyes, they still arent sure if there has been any internal damage to his head, this all happened infront of the victims three year old son and very distraught pregnant wife, god it was awful! I felt physically sick seeing this happen, and I know that if his wife hadnt of pulled him off he wouldnt have stopped when he did, god only knows the extent of his injuries then. If it had been two men equally matched that had been arguing and threatening one another then I think I would have just walked away and let them get on with it, but I know the bad one here knew the victim was no match for him and attacked him from behind without provocation verbal or otherwise. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Marie

I'd be a witness for the victim. Otherwise, this creep gets away with it and will go on hurting innocent people. You are doing the right thing, so don't be afraid. My thoughts are with you and also the victim and his family. Lew x

Hi Marie... Yes you know the right thing to do and I know you are very scared at the moment. Why would someone do something like this to another human being is beyond me. As you are the only witness it is a case of having to otherwise he will get away with it. I dont think you would be able to live with yourself if that was the case.. Janet xxx

Apparently the bully boy as I shall refer to him as, was having a go at his next door neighbour (an old lady with health issues etc) because her dog woke him up early Sunday morning, and the victims said to him dont have a go at her she isnt well and has a lot of problems right now, but the bully boy doesnt particular like the victim and never has and it was just an excuse to have a go and the rest is history, totally out of order and yes I am going to be a witness, just scary stuff, not particualrly scared of the bully boy people like that dont frighten me at all, just dont like the thought of the situation I am going to be in in the future with other neighbours who are supposed friends of the bully boy, just makes life awkward having to face them each day. I am a strong believer in Not letting them get away with it, too many people walk away for a quiet life and although it is a tempting thought I just cant do that, I couldnt live with the guilt of not helping and seeing him get off scot free. Marie

Hi Marie I would be a witness for the victim, otherwise the 'bully' will get away with this sort of behaviour time and time again. Julie x

Do you think the police will let him out this morning without going to court first, as he lives right opposite the victim and was threatening what he was going to do at six oclock today when the police release him, I have a feeling they will take him to court first and then bail him with conditions so he doesnt approach the victim or his family. Not sure how the system works. Marie

Marie....yes they would have to do something like that...If he gets bail that is..

Hi Marie Do you have a 'community' police officer for where you live? if so contact him and have a chat, if you are worried etc? Julie x

Yes we do Julie, thanks never thought to do that. I am supposed to be getting a visit off the police anyway today to make a statement so maybe have a chat with them when they come. Marie

well no wonder you couldnt sleep all you can do is tell the truth explain how you feel before you give a statement and ask for thier opinion.

The images of that mans poor head being smacked into the concrete like that was sickening and you heard it everytime it hit, its a wonder he hasnt got a fractured skull or worse! well he might have yet I havent heard an update from his wife yet, my heart went out to his 3 year old little boy who was screaming the street down, so very very sad and upsetting! Marie

marie no wonder you couldnt sleep ....oh has been a witness twice, and like you we knew both sides, and one of them had been in trouble all his life, he didnt want to be the witness but was ( sapenoed ) sp these days people dont know when to stop once they start fighting ann xx

What a horrible thing to have witnessed but like you I would have to give evidence against that bully. If he's capable of hurting someone on his own front door almost then he's capable of doing far worse. Let's hope the victim recovers fully. Also I bet the elderly lady is in a dreadful state too. I just hope he gets a sentence that befits the crime. Aileenx

Your right Annie, people just dont know when to stop, I honestly believe if he hadnt have been dragged off by his own wife he would have carried on and on, the blood alone all over the driveway was enough to turn your stomach and believe me I am not squeamish but that was a horrible thing to have seen. It just keeps going around and around in my head, I think I was in shock myself! It happened so fast though nobody could have done anything to prevent it. Marie

The fact that you are prepared to be a witness may mean that you don't have to be. Years ago I was witness to an car accident and was prepared to go to court to say who was driving the van at the time and got out of the driver's side of the vehicle. That was enough to persuade the driver that his best course of action was to plead guilty in court and that may be what happens here for you. It's a horrible situation to be in and I feel for you.

Thats the thing Aileen, they usually get off with a nice little fine or a few hours community service, he isnt short of a few quid so a fine would be nothing, he acted so bloody self righteous afterwards as though he was justified in what he had done and stood having a ciggy whilst waiting for the police to get him. Thats one of the things I am bothered about, I keep thinking I am putting myself and my family through this by offering to be a witness and then he will probably get off anyway and all the street is divided mainly on their side as they are scared of him and what will it all be for? nothing probably he will walk like most of them do. Marie

Just like to say Thankyou for your replies, I know I am doing the right thing, I just hope it will be all worth it in the end. I have been told he has previous offences from god knows when so maybe they will take it into account. Marie

Its all very well me, sitting in the peace of my own home, after a good night's sleep - but Marie, honestly, I would have to tell what I had seen. I hope the neighbour who was beaten up, hasn't suffered any worse damage. I feel so sorry for you Marie, what a worry this must be - but you will have to live with the decision you make, and if this bully gets away with it, then who is going to get it next, his wife?....... Sorry Marie.......

Hi Marie, I'm so sorry you had to witness what you did. I can't tell you what to do but I think you have already decided that you are going to be a witness. I like to think it's what I would do. Bullies everywhere need to be stood up to or anarchy will prevail. Gwynne

Rumour has it Sally that he already does that too! but its not for me to say for sure, but it wouldnt suprise after what I saw, he comes across as the type that can only have a go at the ones he knows he can beat! Marie