Wednesday 25 January 2012

"Enough is enough!"

: Police used video footage to review the incident which left Matt Manns with a broken jaw. Image by thinng.com.

Port Douglas Police have questioned two males over an incident on the weekend which left local man, Matthew Manns, with a broken jaw.

The attack took place in Macrossan Street after the closure of a licensed premises at which time several altercations took place.

Police have denied the incident was the latest episode between players from rival football codes saying the two men were not associated with the Mossman Sharks Rugby League club.

Mr Manns underwent surgery in Cairns on Monday morning to have pins inserted into his jaw to speed his recovery.

Sergeant and Officer-in-charge, Damian Meadows, said video footage was vitally important in identifying the individuals, and charges are expected to be laid.

"It definitely was (vital)...They took me straight to the point (on the video), they burnt it to disk that night and as soon as they hit the play button I said I know exactly who we're dealing with."

Sergeant Meadows said the video footage showed one of the alleged offenders in a minor altercation with a friend of Mr Manns, at which time Mr Manns stepped in to separate the two in a "non-violent" manner.

As Mr Manns proceeded to walk along Macrossan Street an alleged offender ran up from behind and struck Mr Manns knocking him to the ground.

Mr Manns' family contacted The Newsport to express their dismay at the attack and concern into what they believe is a growing level of violence in Port Douglas.

"He is not a fighter but these person (sic) set upon him and now he is in hospital," said his grandmother, Lorraine White.

"Port Douglas is getting a bad name and no one will want to go there in fear of being attacked and this was (an) unprovoked attack" she said.

Mrs Manns' mother, Maz, also expressed her concern about violence in town.

"Ok, let me start by saying Port Douglas is a town I love, however when is this town going to make a stand against the violence that is happening to the locals and tourists?

"What will it take, a death before something is done about it?

"Matt Manns is a part of that community, he does not cause grief for anyone, he is not a smart mouth, but is the victim of a senseless bashing, enough is enough!"

Further investigations are underway in relation to an apparent lack of responsible service of alcohol which may have contributed to the incident.

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Jenny Farnham, 25-01-12 12:32:

Cannot believe the police are passing the buck once again. How dare thay insinuate that the hotels had anything to do with this incident. A hoon is a hoon and these gutless mongrels dont need to be under the influence of alcohol. It is time the police, the Council and the residents of Port Douglas take a stand against these bullies and ensure they are dealt with to the full extent of the law. Time and again these offenders are given a slap on the wrist and sent on their way. Enough is definitely enough.

Michael Casey, 25-01-12 10:55:

100% agree with Maz.
Police presence at the closing time would reduce assaults, vandalism and anti social behaviour. Isn't prevention better than a cure?
Sure, after the attack we can all look at the video and say " I know exactly who we're dealing with", but wouldn't it better if it was stopped before the assaults even took place? Police in the streets at closing time is what is needed. If I am forced awake by the idiots roaming the streets, then the police can be awake also.
As what was reported on Newsport a month or two ago, a weekend without trouble is newsworthy - something out of the box..

tony , 25-01-12 10:38:

Matt get well mate, Maz I agree with you here on this a more police presence is required and the cairns council should be doing more to fight against this problem in port by supplying more police to the local community as there is a high police presence in cairns around the time the bars and pubs are closing and there is CCTV as well ....... come on the local community lets behind this and help keep port douglas safe for all of us and especially our kids and families

Maz Manns, 25-01-12 10:06:

Firstly i would like to say that i dont believe it has anything to do with the serving of alcohol, this is not an isolated incident, my son is not the first to be assaulted and wont be last if we dont do something, CCTV may only record an event(according to your local member) but that can help in convicting, it can also be a deterent.I ask this member one question, if this was your son who has been bashed, would you prefer to just say oh well cant find them and theres no evidence if the attack, or gee the CCTV has footage of the assault which helps to convict and get these animals off the street to save another life??? What price do you put on your childs, friends or collegues life just to save a buck??? Im more than happy to help or organise myself fund raising to have these caeras in place. The people who did this to Matt would have done this regardless of drinking alcohol, they have done this before. Police presence is important especially around the time the pubs are closing,i know the resources are stretched, but this town deserves more. I have been coming here for 3 and a half years and never felt threatened here, its just a bunch of animals who decide to pay this town a visit with one thing on their mind, to cause pain and injury to others. Every other weekend Port goes without major incident, stop looking at passing the blame and lets find a solution to keep this beautiful town and its people safe.i have expressed myself and my opinion on the newsport facebook page and i stand firm on it all. Just want to thank this town for its support and well wishes for Matt, its been overwhelming, such big hearted people in this town.