Thugs knock father unconscious in attack outside his home
A FATHER-OF-TWO who asked teenage yobs outside his home to be quiet was beaten unconscious.
Craig Stone has told how was punched and kicked while on the ground after remonstrating with eight youths who were smashing bottles outside his home.
And one horrified neighbour thought Mr Stone was dead when they saw him lying motionless on the floor.
The youths who carried out the attack are understood to have been at a party near his house in Sandbed Lane, Belper.
Mr Stone, an operations manager for Car Cosmestics in Dunton Close, Derby, went to investigate after hearing rowdiness at 1.45am in the morning.
The 38-year-old, who runs a neighbourhood watch group, said: "We were in bed and could hear the music, then bottles breaking so I thought I would just go out and ask them to calm down.
"There was about eight of them. I 'said come on lads, you have had your fun, it's time to move on.' One of them asked who I was and I just said I was someone who wanted to get a bit of sleep."
After confronting the gang, Mr Stone said he was approached from behind and hit with a bottle. He was then kicked unconscious.
He said: "The next thing I remember was waking up in an ambulance, wondering what was going on.
"You don't expect something like that to happen – especially on your own doorstep. I remember approaching the group of lads expecting to have just a quick chat with them – I never expected it to turn into what it did."
Neighbour Jill Belbie witnessed the attack and said: "I was woken at about 2am by the sound of people shouting and when I looked out of the window I saw a group of lads standing outside holding bottles and drinking.
"They decided to walk across the road and as they did I saw someone walk across towards them.
"There was a scuffle and the man dropped to the floor in a heap and I called the police and ambulance.
"I was absolutely terrified."
Police arrested four people on suspicion of carrying the attack, which happened on Friday, May 30 but they have since been released without charge.
Mr Stone said: "When I heard that the police were not charging these people, I was absolutely disgusted. Where is the justice in that?"
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire police said a two 17-year-olds, from Derby and Mickleover, an 18-year-old from Chellaston and a 19-year-old from Littleover were arrested in connection with the incident.
She said: "The evidence was put before the Crown Prosecution Service and their advice was that there was insufficient evidence to identify the perpetrators involved."
Mr Stone spoke about his ordeal to the Derby Telegraph after seeing a story on Friday about a man who was attacked outside his home in Hollington, near Brailsford.
The 43-year-old suffered cuts and bruises when he was punched after challenging a group of rowdy youths.
22 Comments
View all
by db, derby
Tuesday, June 09 2009, 10:40AM
“Mr X of Belper for Prime Minister”
by city centre resident, Derby
Monday, June 08 2009, 3:00PM
“Mr X Belper Good for you, sorry you were arrested though, and as for pasting the little thugs parent, he would have been better off chastising his child not defending his actions. Well done.”
by Mr X, Belper
Monday, June 08 2009, 2:50PM
“I had the same problem a few months back, with 4 youths breaking into my shed. With 2 kids in the house and my wife asleep i took no chances and pasted the little scum. Only for me to get arrested and one parent for the scum knocking on my door a few days later. Which i obliged in pasting him also. Sorry needs must at times and with been a x pro boxer they came to the wrong house”
by city centre resident, Derby
Monday, June 08 2009, 1:58PM
“I am so looking for ward to next idiot that stands under my window shouting to their mate standing next to them, I will have a nice big bucket of cold water ready and waiting for them, or maybe the hosepipe!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by Malcolm, derby
Monday, June 08 2009, 1:32PM
“there is no bigger picture incidents like the attack on Mr Stone need to be dealt with for what they are an assault on a decent person asking a reasonable request for quiet.
the punishment should be swift, severe and a big enough deterant to make the perpetrator think twice about doing it again.
one strike and you are out or zero tolerance.”
by Steve, Derby
Monday, June 08 2009, 1:14PM
“I don't think vermin is harsh; they are like rodents gnawing away at the fabric of society.
Of course, the downfall in moral values and behavioural standards is thanks -in no small part- to the soon-to-be-ousted Labour government and their continual destruction of the family unit.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Monday, June 08 2009, 1:03PM
“Malcolm- I don't know which social workers you are talking about- but I am not one!!
I'm just trying to look at the bigger picture.
I agree- let's all get our heads together, and think of practical solutions.”
by Malcolm, derby
Monday, June 08 2009, 12:59PM
“joanne talks like one of these social workers we all know about .What she says is true the point is what do we do about it. everything she mentions has been tried and failed a new breed of deterants are required.
by the way my only issue with the vermin description is that it insults vermin , they are way below that. .”
by Joanne, Derbys
Monday, June 08 2009, 12:45PM
“Idealist; possibly behaviour like this on the increase may reflect a wider society breaking down."Community spirit" and basic values/respect seem to have been lost amongst some sections of the population?
There is a widespread selfishness and "me me me" culture- never mind looking out for others....
I don't consider myself a reactionary- but I think what's missing in our society now is
a basic lack of respect for others and a sense of "community." This has nothing to do with being PC- it
just an observation of life experience!
And I don't think it's just young people; this thought always runs through my head when I see BMW's hairing up the fast lane at over 100 mph- with complete contempt for other drivers!! (often balding middle aged people!!)
What I'm trying to say is "attitudes" have deteriorated- and maybe there are many reasons for that.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Monday, June 08 2009, 12:36PM
“I think "vermin" is a very strong word- which I wouldn't apply to human beings!
However, certainly this type of antisocial behaviour and thuggery is vile.
I don't think vigilante action would help; I think whole communities need to work together to act as a deterrant.
I have huge respect for the police- but we all need to be working together to improve a safer enviroment for all.”