Followers

Sunday 3 August 2008

Oblivious....





We have just spent two idyllic weeks on a Greek island obivious to the fact that our eldest son, Nick, was the victim of knife crime. Thankfully he had suffered no more than a broken foot which is why neither son had informed us whilst we were away.




Knife crime in Britain has become an epidemic of late with the youth of today.




Nick was walking home at 2 a.m. last Friday morning from a stag night for his friend, for whom he was best man last Saturday. It was no more than a 25 minute walk to his home, a walk he has done countless times. He is a respectable 37 year old father of three who had enjoyed a few beers with his friends but had left them to walk home alone because he was working the following day.




There were two young men on the opposite side of the road walking towards him and as the gap got smaller they crossed the road towards him, pulling up their hoods at the same time. Nick is a big strong man, he is fit for 37 because he cycles and runs, he has done Judo and Kick boxing and can take care of himself if he has to, his instincts told him there could be trouble.  As they approached him they asked for cigarettes, Nick said he didn't have any, not content with the answer the elder one, being only about eight inches away from him put his hand into his belt and started to pull a knife from it. Nick had the presence of mind to grab his wrists and turn the man's hands inwards preventing him from using the knfe. Nick said "You don't want to do this mate" to which the man replied "Why not?".




They tousled and Nick threw the man against a wall causing him to fall down and he dropped the knife, Nick ran. He could hear someone chasing him, he didn't know whether it was both of them or whether they had the knife, so he just kept running. The one who had drawn the knife was chasing him and managed to stamp on Nick's right foot stopping his flight. Nick went down and the man tumbled over the top of him. Nick jumped up and carried on running putting as much distance as he could between them before glancing back to see both men searching the floor, looking for the knife obviously.




Nick dialled 999 on his mobile, breathless and in pain from his foot he told the operator he had been attacked. They kept him on the line asking if he could see his attackers, they wanted a description and details of where they were heading. A few minutes later a passing patrol car had them in custody. They sent another car to Nick and an ambulance, which took him to hospital where they Xrayed his foot and found three broken bones, so they encased his leg in plaster. The police said he was very lucky but his escape with only a broken foot was down to him having had his wits about him.




The police told Nick when they challenged the men the elder one (one was 15 the other 23) produced the knife saying "I've got a knife!" When asked why he was carrying a knife he replied "for protection, I've just been jumped down the road". When they were questioned at the station the elder of the two would only say "No comment" but the younger one admitted to being there but did not take part in the attack, thereby dropping his friend right in it!




Presumably the two will be up in court, sometime, and get a slap on the wrist and told not to do it again. In the meantime Nick is on crutches for two weeks, then a walking plaster for four weeks, he cannot drive, he cannot work, he doesn't feel he did the right thing by running, but of course everyone has told him he did exactly the right thing. Had he stayed and fought he could have been stabbed, he could be dead, or he could have picked the knife up and killed in self defence and be facing a prison sentence himself.


What is this country coming to? I despair I really do. I thank God that my son is a fit man who can take care of himself but even that is not enough these days. Had it been anyone not as quick witted and fit the outcome could have been so different. MWM commented that had he been in that situation, at almost 60 years old with high blood pressure, the outcome would most definitely have been very different.




I feel sick.

57 comments:

Elaine Denning said...

Oh God...I'm so sorry Ak.
Thank goodness Nick was quick on his feet and had his wits about him. Thinking about the 'what ifs' just doesn't bare thinking about.

When something like this happens to your family - any family - how on earth are we supposed to sleep easy at night knowing there are b****rds out there getting a kick out of destroying lives.

So many things make me mad when I think about the state this country is in. It makes me feel sick, too.

One final thought though...what the hell is a 15 year old doing out at 2 in the morning? Where are the bloody parents?

Send Nick my very best wishes for a speedy recovery...mentally and physically. I really hope you can all pull through this in one piece. x

Pam said...

((((ak, nick, entire family)))) sorry that happened. what a scary thing! luckily he was fit and able to fend them off. i think he did the only thing he could do, because who knows what might have happened if he hadn't. that's not even something anyone would like to think about.

i don't know what's going on in the minds of today's youth. not just in the u.k., but here, too. those who want to be gangsters w knives & guns. it even happens right in your own neighborhood w the kids who live here! had one teen girl get attacked by two others and her ipod stolen. the boys who were with the two girls took her speakers that she had for her ipod and then knocked her upside the head w it. her ipod wasn't recovered, but two of the guys were arrested. poor girl pleaded w them not to take it cuz she had gotten it as a bday gift. she had a boy w her, but 2 people against several is no match.

buffalodick said...

Over here walking by yourself at 2AM is an accident waiting to happen...Glad he's OK..

Dumdad said...

What a dreadful experience. I shudder to think how this might have turned out.

Your son now has weeks of recuperation and not just physically. Meanwhile, the two attackers are no doubt boasting about their exploits to their friends. What a world.

P.S. Welcome back to the blogosphere where no one carries knives.

MarmiteToasty said...

((((ake and family))))...... oh jebus, Im just so glad that your lad is ok.....

Whats this country coming to....... last year my Ben (24) was walking through town with 2 friends when they were jumped from behind for no reason..... one friend had a beer bottle smashed across the back of his head and my Ben turned to see what the hell was going on when someone swung a fist at him, hitting him in the jaw and knocking him to the ground where someone kicked him in the face...... LUCKILY a police car rounded the corner and even though they didnt get the bloke they knew exactly who they were so got them a few hours later...... my lad had to have emergency surgery the following day with a double broken jaw and was wired shut for over six weeks and now has a metal plate and screws keeping his jaw together.. had 2 months off work.... the case went to court and one of the blokes got 1 year inside and the other got 10 months.... and my Ben is awaiting a compensation pay out from the criminal justice board which will be thousands BUT he would forego the money for it not to of happened......

Hugs to you ake and your lad...... Im glad you enjoyed your holiday without the knowledge of what had happened back home, cos you would of flown back....

Happy Sunday to you....... its raining down here in the South AGAIN....

x

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

oh my word honey! how awful for him and for you to come home and face also!!!

crime is on the rise everywhere and the world is no longer a safe place. where are we heading? sigh..

on a lighter note i am glad you are back and want to hear about your trip when you are able. take you time dear. this is traumatic for all of you...

hugs, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Jeff B said...

He may not feel very macho because he ran, but he absolutely did the right thing. At least he's around to tell the story!

Glad you've made it home.

Travis Cody said...

Running was certainly the right thing to do. One must make use of all one's options in such a situation. His fitness and awareness were the best weapons he had in that situation, and he made utmost use of both.

And perhaps the lesson the younger person took from it will be to pay attention in school and get a real job, instead of following the path of the oder one to prison or worse.

Mimi Lenox said...

Oh honey I am so sorry to hear this. What a horrific experience for him and the whole family. Poor guy! Your description sounds like one of those nightmares that we all have where you're running away from somebody. I can't imagine what he must have been going through.

Oh but he absolutely did the right thing. And surely there were angels watching him and helping him to think clearly. For him to reach out and turn the guy's hand took a LOT of courage especially with 2 against 1. He did the only thing he could do and bravely.

I can just imagine how proud you are of him and also how angry you must feel towards the attackers. I hope they get the maximum punishment in court! How awful. Truly sickening what our society has come to in this world.

Give your son my regards for a speedy recovery emotionally and physically. Sending prayers as always. And please take care of yourself too little Hawaiian girl. We love you and are here if you need us. I'm an email away. Anytime.

Mimi

Akelamalu said...

The question re the 15 year old is exactly what I asked too Miss U! The police told Nick that when they telephoned his mother to tell her he was in custody she couldn't be arsed getting out of bed! Doesn't that just say it all? Thanks for your good wishes hon. x

It's all just too sickening isn't it Ciara and sadly becoming all too common. :(

Nick said he's always felt safe in the 17 years he has walked home alone in the early hours, until now that is Buff

You cheered me Dumdad - the blogosphere is truly a place where one can feel safe, definitely no knives here. Thanks m'dear.

Your poor Ben Marmie, it must have been just terrible for you all, I can empathise now. The streets are just not safe anymore are they honey? Nick knew I would have flown home if I'd known that's why he didn't want me to know as he said there wasn't anything I could do. I'm just thankful it wasn't anything more serious than a broken foot.

It's true Bee, nowhere is safe these days, not even in your own home! I will get round to posting about my holiday with photos of course, hopefully by the beginning of next week. Thanks honey. x

That's exactly what I told him Jeff, run away and live!

Yes you're right Trav even the police told him that. Apparently the younger boy was absolutely terrified and shocked by what happened so hopefully it will teach him a lesson.

Akelamalu said...

Thank you so much Mimi for your kind words, thoughts and prayers they are much appreciated. Nick is a calm person who doesn't let things get to him so I am sure he will recover fully from what has happened. He did say though he wouldn't consider walking home again it will be taxis all the way so at least there's not much chance of this happening again, God willing. I am hoping the attackers will get the maximum punishment which is what the government are promising for knife crime now because there is such an epidemic of it. I'll keep you posted. xx

bindhiya said...

(((big hugs to you and family)))

Sweetie,
I am glad he run away..
am praying for a speedy recovery for Nick..

crime is every where. one is not safe even in their house.. before i came to US I thought US and European countries are safe to live..
Have a good week sweetie..
You and family are in prayers.
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Marshall Family said...

How awful! Im so glad your son escaped without being injured by the knife and I hope his foo heals fast.


I'm beginning to wonder if it's possible that everyone knows someone who has been affected by this kind of crime as last yr my brother in law was attacked in town on the way to meet my sister in a club. It didn't involve a knife but it was a random act of violence none the less.

Linda said...

Oh my gosh, this is an absolutely horrible thing to come home to after blissfully wiling away two weeks on an idyllic vacation. I'm just so glad you didn't come to much worse news and that Nick was able to flee his attackers. Obviously they picked the wrong man to jump and thank the good Lord your son is fit and strong and smart enough to have beat feet out of there.

It's so sad that the world seems to be reverting to more of a violent place rather than becoming a place where people get along and respect each other's rights and don't do things like this. I felt sick right along with you while reading this and I only hope that your son can fully recover - not just physically but psychologically and emotionally also.

Please give Nick my best and a big hug to you, too - you may have your MWM do the honors for me!

maryt/theteach said...

OMG, Akalamalu, I'm so sorry! Be thankful your son could take care of himself and is basically all right. I can feel how upset you must be...I'll keep you and your son in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry - how frightening. But I'm glad you were oblivious - there was nothing you could do about it and thankfully your son is very able to take care of himself.

Ron said...

Oh my God, Akelamalu...

Thank heavens Nick had his sharp wits about him, and his angels were with him!

You're so right...what's this world coming to? It's the exact same way here too. This city has gotten progressively more violent and angry in the past two years. Shootings, stabbings, you name it...it's happening A LOT!

I know as his mother, you must be feeling so many emotions.

Know, that with this comment, I share with you and your family much love and Reiki.

Take care.

RiverPoet said...

Oh honey, I'm so sorry! But yes, your son did the right thing by first protecting himself and then running. The more distance you put between yourself and your attacker(s) the better.

I hope he is healing well and that the little buggers get more than a slap on the wrist. It isn't just your country, hon'. I worry every time my big bruiser of a son goes down to DC with friends. Yes, he's big and strong and trained in HapKiDo, but I don't want him to ever have to deal with someone who really wants to hurt him. Too many people have guns in DC, and now that the law allows everyone to carry them, it's a particularly bad place to be.

Peace - D

Flowerpot said...

It makes us all feel sick I think, Ak. I do hope Nick gets better very soon. There is so much bad news in the world it doesnt pay to focus on it - different when it's your family of course. Take care Ak.

Akelamalu said...

I don't think there is anywhere safe anymore Bindi. Thank you for you good wishes honey. x

How awful for your sister and brother-in-law Emmie. I think you're right everyone knows someone who has been a victim of mindless violence these days, isn't it sad?

Yes you're right they did pick the wrong person this time Linda and I'm thankful that Nick escaped with only a broken foot. I just can't understand the mentality of these people who think it's ok to attack someone because they want a cigarette! I felt the hug, thank you my friend. x

Oh we are all counting our blessings Teach, not least Nick. He is recoving well , just bored now because he can't work, run and cycle! :)

I can't imagine what state I would have been in had I known at the time Citizen, being so far away!

It truly is frightening what's going on all over the world Ron. Thankyou for the Reiki my friend - if only the whole world could be Reiki wouldn't it be a better place? :)

Gun crime is becoming more frequent here to Riverpoet but not so much as knife crime. I think guns are so much worse. Nick is recovering, thankyou for your good wishes they are appreciated. x

Yes you're right Flowrpot, it doesn't do to dwell on it. When you read about it you don't imagine it happening to you or your family, it's such a shock when it does.Thanks hon.xx

Marianne said...

Welcome back, Ak, and I'm so sorry to hear about this. Nick is obviously incredibly quick witted and fit to have avoided something much much worse here- poor him, what a world, I'm just so glad it wasn't anything worse. I can't imagine anyone else having the presence of mind to turn the man's wrists round - he's a hero. I hope the foot mends quickly and he doesn't miss out on too much work. All the best x M

Shrinky said...

Oh, how horrible! Thank heavens Nick will be alright, but yes, the outcome could have been so very different had he not had sharp wits and the prensence of mind to use them. I am so glad the thugs were caught, but sadly I fear you are right, it may not be long before they are back out to mug some other hapless soul. My best friends son and his friend were set upon by a gang of vicious kids. Their reason for attacking? Him and his friend walked through "their turf" on their way home, a couple of blocks away. His friend was stabbed and died in his arms. He had to give evidence behind a screen at the Old Bailey. He received death threats and intimidation thoughout the entire trial. It ended in a hung jury and he had to go through the whole miserable experience all over again. He was only 16 at the time this happened. Now he rarely leaves the house as he suffers from crippling panic attacks, and he has changed from a vibrant carefree young lad into a nervous, fearful kid.. it's tragic.

I am so sorry you have had to experience such a sensless crime. It really does make you dispair, doesn't it?

sallywrites said...

Thank goodness he survived. I am so sorry for you all Ak! What an awful thing to happen.

david mcmahon said...

I am sorry you've been through this. I've been amazed at how knife crime in the UK just seems to be snowballing.

God bless Nick.

Akelamalu said...

Thanks Marianne, I don't know about him being a hero but I'm sure glad he did what he did!

OMG I felt physically sick reading about your friends son Shrinky, it is just so awful, there doesn't seem to be anywhere safe these days does there? Thanks for your concern. x

Yes it was awful but Nick was luckier than some Sally, thanks.

I know it's an epidemic David, frighteningly so! Thanks my friend.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

I'm glad you were able to enjoy your vacation, and the reason your son didn't bother you with it, is he knew you'd have enough to worry about once you got back. And besides, he really was okay. More than okay - your son totally turned the tables on two thugs. Yay, Nick! He used surprise and an offensive stance to trip them up at first, and his decision to run was the only logical one, especially as the older one had more mayhem on his mind. A broken foot is nothing compared to what might have happened had he tried to fight off two armed guys. Anyone who is willing to start a fight like that with your son - because I'm sure he's not an easy target - is actually looking to get some damage done to themselves. There may still be hope for the younger one, but the older one is just going to keep looking for trouble until someone bigger, badder and meaner gives him what he's looking for. And we'll all say 'good riddance to bad rubbish.'

I'm so glad this worked out as something that can heal, Akelamalu. (((hugs))) to you and to Nick.

Akelamalu said...

Thanks Missy, we had a great time. I hope your son never experiences anything like what happened to Nick and I hope you never experience the sick feeling that goes along with it honey. x

Yes Nick's martial arts training certainly helped him get out of a dangerous situation Julia. This has taught him a lesson though - he won't be walking about on his own in the early hours of the morning anymore, he's realised he's not invincible! Thanks for you good wishes honey. xx

TopChamp said...

Whoa - that's terrible!

Stupid little idiots. They have said they are bringing in tougher sentences for knives. Automatic jail time for being found with a knife etc. Hopefully that might have some impact.

TopChamp said...

p.s. I really wanted to use stronger language to describe the attackers....

maryt/theteach said...

Just want to answer your question - yes my new header picture is one of my own - I took it in the Dominican Republic back in 2006.

Patty said...

I am so glad things were not worst. It is sad when you can not walk down the street without being attacked. We don't hear of knives here as much as guns, but any type of violence is scary

~ej said...

it IS very sad when you cannot walk home safely. thank goodness your son had the guts to run and not fight. hugs and prayers for all!!

Akelamalu said...

The police told Nick that the man with the knife will probably get 5 years Topchamp, I won't hold my breath but I'll be happy if that's the case. I'll leave it to your imagination as to what I called them, but probably the same words you were wanting to use!

Oh how lovely Teach, it's a stunning photograph. My header is one MWM took of me just outside our bungalow in the Maldives in 1999. :)

There are more and more guns here too Patty, it's terrifying.

You're right Elena it is sad and I cannot see things getting any better. Thanks for your kind wishes. x

x said...

oh, ake, i'm so sorry to hear about your son nick getting hurt like that. i'm glad he's all right, though.

i hope you enjoyed your greek vacation, nevertheless! :D

Akelamalu said...

Thanks Acey, he's recovering well and we did enjoy our vacation. x

SandraRee said...

Sad to say this is almost a daily occurrence in the States. I'm so glad your son had his wits about him! On a happier note, congratulations on Post Of The Day with authorblog!

Queenie said...

I told you what I thought over the phone, but the more I sat and thought about it the sicker I felt.
I just wish they would lock them up and throw away the keys, mind you thinking about put them in a room for an hour or two with us!!!

Rune Eide said...

It is a pity to hear about such things. I hope he will have a full restitution.

Thank you for the greeting!

Akelamalu said...

It's very frightening isn't it
Sandra? Thank you for stopping by and congratulations to you to for POTD!

I don't think the powers that be would dare put the little scrotes in a room with us Queenie

You're welcome Runee and thankyou.

Merisi said...

Thank goodness your son escaped those knife bearing thugs without being stabbed! I hope he will make a quick recovery. What a shame these people are, I do hope they get some just punishment, even though I am not sure that prison will do them any good.

I am sorry it took this horrible crime to put you on Post of the Day at David's, congratulations nonetheless on your excellent writing!

Woman in a Window said...

What a story to first come here to. I am so relieved that he was OK. And in the face of it, I suggest to anyone, do what he did: RUN! whew.

thanks for coming by my place.
erin

G-Man said...

There are punks in every country!
He was very smart indeed...
Glad YOUR trip was safe.
Welcome home...Galen

mrsnesbitt said...

I absolutely agree with you, where the hell is the country going? At one point we always said we may one day move back to a town but towns are not the same anymore...

Take Care,
A good son!
Dxx

Akelamalu said...

You are right Merisi, prison doesn't seem to much of a deterrent these days. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Thanks for visiting Erin, it's nice to meet you even in these circumstances. :)

Yep, you're right g-man, there's punks the world over! Glad to be home. x

If it's safer in the country I'm moving Denise! Thanks for dropping by m'dear. x

buffalodick said...

Ake- What's an English bird like you, listening to all this Motown music? I live here, in Michigan- and I love what you do! Keep it up dear!

Lo Kelween said...

what an experience! it's so unsafe now in every part of the world. People seem to be out of their mind. Someone could just stab us with a knife and cut our heads off in a bus, can you imagine this?

Glad that you soon is alert enough to deal with such situation. phew..

Akelamalu said...

My mispent youth was enjoyed in the Motown era Buff! In fact we have regular Motown nights even now at our local civic hall where we boogie the night away!

I know, it's really bad isn't it Elween. Oh for a peaceful world, Utopia shouldn't be just a dream.

Raven said...

Wow! What news to come home to! I'm glad your son came away relatively unharmed. I got held up at knife-point years ago and was very lucky to not only get away unhurt, but unrobbed. Angels watching over me, I guess. I don't understand a world in which people do such things. I'm glad this story has a happy ending.

Akelamalu said...

OMG Raven, that must have been terrifying for you! I'm grateful my son's angels were watching over him.

Robin said...

I know, it seems like no place is safe anymore! I'm glad Nick is okay (aside from the foot) and I think he did the absolutely right thing, in fact his actions helped apprehend those hoodlums, which is even more honorable. Imagine that possibly he may have saved himself and others that night from a worse fate! You have a good son, give him a hug for me!

Akelamalu said...

Thanks Robin, I have a lot to be thankful for. :)

CG said...

I felt sick reading this but THANK GOD he is alive!!

Seeker said...

Really sorry to hear this. My son had his jaw broken in a mugging in Brighton just a few days before Christmas in 2002, so I know how you feel! It really is becoming a horrible world!

Akelamalu said...

My thoughts entirely CG!

Oh my goodnes Seeker how awful for your son and you. It's just not safe anywhere now is it? :(

Jo Beaufoix said...

Oh my gosh Akela that is terrifying. Nick did exactly the right thng but what a vile thing he had to go through. Knife crime in Britain is just terrifying at the moment. I'm so sad that it has touched you so personally. Hope the little gits get sent to prison.

Anndi said...

That was the best line of defense. By keeping his distance he managed to keep safe, call the police and get the little creeps arrested.

My daughter has learned : kick, scream and run away as fast as you can. I emphasize the scream and run away part.

*hugs* to you and all the family.

Akelamalu said...

Thanks Jo, we are hoping for that outcome too.

You are teaching your daughter the best thing to do without a doubt Anndi, thanks for the hugs. x