Use your brain, not your fists
By Mary Dennehy
LOCAL gardai have appealed to young males to ‘use your brain not your fists’ and to consider the consequences of an assault for others – and themselves.
A community safety message from An Garda Síochána, the ‘Use your brain not your fists’ is a year-round campaign that aims to reduce the number of assaults carried out by males between the ages of 18 and 34 years.
Sergeant Mark Redmond, Crime Prevention Officer
According to the Garda Analysis Service (2017 stats), 87 per cent of offenders in assault causing harm incidents are male, 53 per cent of whom are males aged between the ages of 18 and 34.
These type of assaults typically take place at the weekend, in and around public places between 8pm and 5am, peaking early Sunday morning.
Sergeant Mark Redmond, Tallaght Garda Station’s Crime Prevention Officer, has reminded young people that an assault can wreck a victim’s life, causing long-term physical and mental damage – or loss of life.
“This type of violence usually involves drink and is carried out by young men who are not habitual criminals,” Sgt Redmond told The Echo.
“A sudden row, one punch and a person suffers a life-changing or fatal injury.
“This is devastating for the family of the victim and also for the person [responsible] and their family.”
He added: “In the run-up to Christmas and the New Year there is a lot of socialising . . . and it is a good time to draw attention to this.
“We would encourage people to not get so drunk that they can’t look after themselves.
“If you have had too much to drink you are a danger to yourself and to others.
“A sudden fit of anger when drunk can be all it takes for someone to destroy someone else’s life and their own.”
Sgt Redmond has also issued advice to those who may find themselves the target of a heated exchange when out socialising.
He has encouraged people approached to never try and reason with a drunk or aggressive person, just walk away and seek help.
“If you are approached by someone who is angry or irrational, get out of the way,” Sgt Redmond said.
“Always get yourself away from any person that is angry, drunk or aggressive.”
Anybody who is the victim of an assault is encouraged to report the incident to Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000.
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