Police continue campaign to end drunken violence

One punch is all it takes to shatter lives – that’s the message from West Yorkshire Police as it continues its summer campaign to stop drunken violence.

Since 2006 16 people have died as a result of one punch offences in across the county.

And many more people have suffered life-changing injuries.

The One Punch Is All It Takes campaign is run throughout the summer by officers in Wakefield to tackle drink fuelled violent crime.

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Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, Det Chief Supt Max McLean, said: “It is important to raise awareness of how just one punch can shatter lives. It can kill and it can cause life changing injuries often from a split second decision.

“Often fuelled by alcohol and adrenaline fights can start and all it takes is one punch before someone falls to the ground, hits their head on a kerb and they may never recover from the injuries caused.

“West Yorkshire Police are committed to tackling violent crime and will continue our efforts to reduce the numbers of victims, but we need your help.

“Think before you wade in with your fists, take a deep breath and consider living with the consequences of killing someone, serving a lengthy prison sentence and a criminal record.”

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Craig Hargreaves, 19, of Normanton, was the victim of a serious assault in the early hours of Saturday, January 19, 2008, outside the Mansion Nightclub, Castleford.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to head injuries, however sadly died several days later on Friday 25 January 2008.

Jamie Weinberg, 23, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment on 08 August 2008 at Leeds Crown Court.

Craig’s mum Sandra said: “Craig was a wonderful son, loving, caring and full of life. I am very proud to be his mum.

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“When your child goes for a night out you don’t expect him not to come home and that was the last time you would see him and hear his voice. It’s totally devastating and heartbreaking and I would not wish, what we as a family, have been through on anyone.

“If by raising awareness of how much devastation can be caused by one punch, can save another family going through what we have, then the campaign has been worthwhile.

“Craig is in my head and heart 24/7 and I cannot express how much I miss him and wish I could turn the clock back and have him back.”

To contact police call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.