The human cost of casual violence

On October 8 2017, young footballer John Black’s life was ruined by a single punch. The 20-year-old, who had played for Dundee FC, was on a night out with friends when an altercation took place with another group.

John, who had already suffered tragedy in his life, was knocked off his feet on to the road.

In that moment, his skull and his life, fractured. Physically, the brave young man has battled back from his life-changing injuries but admits he bears mental scars which will never heal.

It is not just his life which has been devastated.

His wide circle of friends and family have had to watch his recovery, helping where they can, and aware of the torment through which he has been put.

His mother, June, lost another son after his spell in the army and John said his ordeal has “ruined (her) life 100%”.

One punch is all it took to ravage a family and destroy a career of such promise.

As the party season hots up and alcohol is consumed in ever greater volumes, John’s tale is a cautionary one and his courage in sharing it for a police campaign is exemplary.

Every person considering raising their hands in anger towards another risks causing, or suffering, the same consequences.

Lives wrecked, dreams torn apart – one punch is all it takes.