Family join police in 'One punch can kill' campaign

Family join police in 'One punch can kill' campaign

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The mother of a victim killed after one fatal punch is supporting Greater Manchester Police’s latest campaign to warn people of the dangers of getting involved in drunken fuelled violence.

Sara Whitworth tragically lost her 19-year old son, Wesley Clutterbuck on 30 June 2013 after he was killed following a single punch.

More than five months after his death she has joined GMP and Rochdale Sixth Form College to support the latest strand of the campaign in the run up to Christmas and the New Year.

Alcohol can have devastating consequences not only on the victim and their families but also those that have caused the harm. One thoughtless act after too much alcohol can end violently and tragically.

Across Greater Manchester, 16 people have lost their lives due to alcohol fuelled violence. In fact figures show that over the same time period 23 per cent (10,442) of young men aged 18-25 are most likely to carry out violent crime. Furthermore, when looking at victims of violent crime, the figures show that nine per cent (8,217) of young men aged 18-25 are also most likely to be a victim of violent crime.

Rochdale Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Annette Anderson, said: “Wesley’s tragic death is the sad reality of what can happen as a result of a single punch. Often people don’t realise what they are doing when they have had a drink and it is those split-second actions that result in devastating life-long consequences.

“Christmas and the New Year is a wonderful time of year for everyone and it should be a period that should be enjoyed without the threat of violence. We don’t want to spoil your fun but at the same time we don’t want anyone else’s life to be ruined as well.

“Unfortunately Wesley’s family will be spending their first Christmas without him this year. No one should have to face the holidays without their loved ones, especially when the life has been cut short, so tragically.

“Having too much to drink can leave you open to becoming a victim of crime or even get you into trouble through violent actions. We want this campaign to make people think twice about their actions. Remember if you avoid trouble, control you anger and walk away you could not only save your life but someone elses as well.”

Sara Whitworth, mother of Wesley Clutterbuck, said: “It’s been five months since we lost Wesley and I can’t begin to describe the devastation and loss our family have and continue to feel.

“This campaign is particularly personal to all of us because of this loss. Our family will never feel complete again and I would hate to think of another family losing someone they love through a mindless split-second decision that can destroy a life.

“No mother should have to see the day of their son’s funeral. Christmas is supposed to be a happy time for the family but unfortunately for us we will be visiting our boy at the cemetery instead. This single punch has killed my son and destroyed the lives of everyone who loved him but if our support can help save a life then he can continue to make a difference as he did do with his gift of his life to other through his organ donation.”

Julian Appleyard, Principal of Rochdale Sixth Form College, said: “The college is proud to have been a part of the one punch can kill campaign and to help raise awareness of the potential consequences of what can often be split-second decisions.

“The students involved have all worked incredibly hard to design campaign posters that relay the seriousness of the issue and the devastating loss that can result; not only for individuals but for families and the wider community.”