"Stop, think and walk away" - Humberside Police's Christmas campaign against one punch attacks
The force are working local families affected by one punch attacks after Scott Akester was killed in a one punch attack, and Gareth Davies suffered life changing injuries from one punch.
Last updated 1st Dec 2023
Humberside Police say in the last two years, six men across the Humber have lost their lives to a one punch attack. Their campaign hopes to prevent people befalling the same fate over the festive period which can be a high-risk time.
As people go to celebrate over Christmas and the new year, alcohol consumption can lead to arguments and fights. Police say alcohol is a factor in at least 75% of one punch attacks.
Major Crime Team Superintendent Al Curtis said "People really need to be aware of their own behaviour if they're going to get into a confrontational situation just stop, think and just walk away because even a single punch can cause catastrophic injuries which can destroy someone's life.
"We're not talking about a massive level of force and violence used, we're talking about a single punch and a single argument that can end someone's life."
Humberside Police are working to share the stories of families affected by one punch attacks. On boxing day 2022, Gareth Davies suffered a life-threatening head injury from one punch. He survived but is now receiving around the clock medical care and continues to recover from his injuries.
In November 2022, Scott Akester was killed by one punch outside a pub in Hull. Since then his family have started the One Punch Hull charity and have been visiting local pubs, businesses and schools raising awareness of one punch attacks.
Scott's dad Steve said: "Just take a few minutes, think of our story, take a step back and just walk away - there's no point getting involved"
Scott's daughter was four years old when he was killed. Now aged five, she's starting to ask questions about what happened to her dad. Scott's mum Debbie said: "She's growing up without her daddy and that's absolutely horrendous and heart-breaking to see that on a daily basis."
Steve said: "The father-son time together - that's what I miss, we'd be talking about sport this time of the year but that's been taken away from me, I don't have that luxury anymore."
"We don't want this to happen to somebody else, there's no need for it. We don't want any more one punch attacks over the Christmas period - that's what I'd like as a Christmas present."