One punch can ruin two lives

Stirling Area Commander, Chief Inspector Lynn Ratcliff, on the start of a new police initiative.

This week, I’d like to highlight to readers the Police Scotland ‘One Punch’ campaign which will be running for the next four weeks.

As the name suggests, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the consequences that one punch can have on two lives – those of both the victim and the attacker.

A single punch can result in death and a lengthy jail sentence for the person responsible and of course, there is a huge impact for the families and friends of these individuals.

By running this campaign, details of which can be seen on the Police Scotland website and on posters and bar mats which have been distributed locally by our Community Police officers, we hope to encourage people to think about the consequences of their actions and the impact that alcohol can have on their behaviour.

Research shows that alcohol is a key element in a large percentage of violent crime and antisocial behaviour incidents in Scotland and available statistics indicate that over half of ‘one punch’ crimes are committed under the influence of drink.

Sadly, Stirling has already seen tragedy as a result of one punch. Many readers will recall the incident which took place in Friar’s Street in August, 2015, which resulted in the death of a young man, aged only 36, and another sentenced to almost three years in prison.

By launching this campaign and focusing on it over the coming weeks, particularly during the time when Stirling will welcome thousands of students to the university, we hope to prevent any other families being affected by such a tragedy.

As ever, Police Scotland and indeed local officers will be working closely with colleagues in the licensed trade and Stirling Council over this period.

We have an excellent working relationship with management and staff in the vast majority of the pubs and clubs across Stirlingshire and together we will be working to drive home the message that any night out should be an enjoyable and positive experience.

By drinking responsibly, remaining aware of and taking responsibility for your actions and making arrangement to get home safely, you can ensure that your evening out is one to be remember for all the right reasons.