PRAYING FOR GARY
Dromore Today, UK -
By PAUL WILKINSON DROMORE High School's principal has described ex-pupil Gary Forbes, who was seriously injured after jumping from a bridge when confrontedby a group of youths in Belfast, as a boy who would not have harmed anyone. Mr. John Wilkinson said everyone at the school, where Gary's sister Holly has been a pupil for the past three years, is praying that the injured teenager should recover following emergency surgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital and that his family should feel the support of friends.
As The Leader went to press a hospital spokesperson described Gary's condition as "stable". Gary was shopping with friends in Belfast and was returning to Central Station to take the train home at about 9.30pm on Saturday, February 9, when he was assaulted...
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Gary Forbes condition stable
Friday, February 15, 2008
TEENAGER STILL CRITICAL AFTER BRIDGE FALL
TEENAGER STILL CRITICAL AFTER BRIDGE FALL - Lisburn Today
By JULIE-ANN SPENCE
Gary Forbes was shopping in the city with friends and was confronted by the youths on the bridge as he made his way to Central Station to catch the train home at around 9.30pm last Saturday.
A friend of the Forbes family explained: "Gary was in Belfast with three friends, another young man and two girls. He was shopping for a birthday present for his mother and as they were going back to the train station he was assaulted.
"To try to escape Gary jumped over the railing and, not being familiar with the area, he did not realise there was a 20 foot drop to the ground below.
"There seems to be no reason behind this, it was a a tragic chance encounter."
The family friend added that Gary, a former pupil at Dromore High School, was due to travel to Romania in two weeks time to bring much needed funds and supplies to orphanages there.
"He has taken part in these trips for several years now," he explained. "That is the type of young man Gary is.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary and his family," he added.
A spokesperson for the Royal Victoria Hospital, where Gary underwent emergency surgery, said he was still in a "critical" condition.
* Police said three 15-year-old youths arrested in connection with the incident were released on Sunday night pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service. A fourth 15-year-old male who was also arrested was released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police have urged anyone who may have been in the area and who may have seen anything to contact them on 0845 600 8000 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Goth attacked in Belfast - 18-year-old ‘critical’ after 20ft leap to escape gang
A shocking case of violence the details of which are still unclear. Just one of the ongoing catalogue of attacks on alternative teenagers we have noted before.
18-year-old ‘critical’ after 20ft leap to escape gang
Belfast Irish News (subscription), UK -
A TEENAGER was in hospital last night with serious head injuries after he leapt 20 feet from a bridge in Belfast after being confronted by a group of youths.
The 18-year-old was in a critical but stable condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital after the incident which happened near the city’s Hilton Hotel at around 9.30pm on Saturday.
Police said he was with three other friends when they were confronted by four youths on the footbridge which connects Lanyon Place with East Bridge Street close to the Markets area.
A struggle developed and the 18-year-old jumped to escape, falling about 20ft to the road below.
A 15-year-old was arrested soon after the incident.
Another two teenagers of the same age were arrested yesterday afternoon.
SDLP Councillor Pat McCarthy said: “I believe the young person was a goth and another group of young people chased him and to try and escape he jumped off the footbridge at the Hilton hotel.
“There is a young person seriously ill in hospital and another being questioned by the police. There’s two lives ruined and for what. What sense is there in it?
“I know that goths hang about Lanyon Place of a Saturday but they just use it to gather, talk, and meet their pals.”
Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident near Central Station is asked to contact detectives at Musgrave Street station on 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Moment I watched terrified lad jump 20ft from bridge
Belfast Telegraph, United Kingdom -
A Belfast man has spoken of the moment when he witnessed a terrified teenager fall 20ft to the ground from a footbridge to escape from a gang of youths.
The man, who did not wish to be identified, had been taking a work break outside his office when he saw the 18-year-old - named locally as Gary Forbes from Lisburn - and his friends being chased by a group of youths on the footbridge at Lanyon Place, close to Belfast Central Station, at around 9.30pm on Saturday.
"They were walking up the footpath to the bridge. There was a crowd of teenagers behind them, and I thought there was going to be trouble," he said.
"Four of the group broke away from the crowd, one of them ran up and said something. I saw one of them just punching the guy.
"I shouted to them and that sort of startled them. This guy then ran and jumped over the bridge. I don't think he realised how much of a drop it was."
The man also described the moment when he saw the teenager hit the ground following his terrifying fall.
"It was scary, I didn't believe that he actually did it," he said.
"It was just the noise of him hitting the ground. I had to run down and I had the boy's blood on my hands. I keep on seeing it in my head."
The injured teen was immediately rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he underwent major surgery.
A spokeswoman for the hospital said last night that his condition was " critical".
Three 15-year-old youths arrested in connection with the incident were released on Sunday night pending a report to the PPS. A fourth 15-year-old male who was also arrested was released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police have urged anyone who may have been in the area and who may have seen anything to contact them on 0845 600 8000 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Youth critical after 20-foot bridge jump to flee attack
Monday, February 11, 2008
A teenager who leapt 20 feet from a bridge in a desperate bid to escape a gang of violent youths was last night still fighting for his life in hospital.
The 18-year-old, who suffered serious head injuries in the fall, underwent major surgery in the Royal Victoria Hospital where his condition has been described as "critical but stable".
Three youths, all aged 15, who were arrested in connection with the incident, remained in custody last night.
The youth, who is believed to be from the Lisburn area, was crossing the footbridge close to Belfast's Central Station with three friends at around 9.30pm on Saturday night when they were approached by four youths.
A source close to the investigation said the victim was attacked by the youths and, in a bid to escape, he jumped from the bridge which runs from Belfast's Lanyone Place to East Bridge Street.
"We don't know if he maybe didn't realise how high the bridge was or if he was so terrified about being attacked that he thought it was better to take his chances jumping off the bridge," the source said.
DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson said the incident was "another example of the kind of thuggery that stalks the streets of Belfast and other towns of Northern Ireland."
He added: "It is tragic that this young man is fighting for his life. He was not bothering anyone. He was going about his own business and was an easy target for these thugs who have no place in society. I would urge anyone with information to contact police."
Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said the spot where the teenager was injured has become a "no-go area" after dark.
"There should not be any no-go areas in Belfast but unfortunately there are and where this incident happened is actually one of those spots. A lot of people will not walk along there after dark," he said.
Mr Rodgers added: "People should feel safe walking through Belfast but they do not. This was an appalling incident and my heart goes out to this young man and his family. I really hope he pulls through and makes a full and speedy recovery."
Police last night said they are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident.
A police spokeswoman added: "Three males, all aged 15, are now in custody and are helping police with their inquiries. The 18-year-old remains in hospital where his condition is described as critical but stable.
"Police are re-issuing their appeal for information. Anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident is asked to contact detectives at Musgrave Street station on 0845 600 8000, or information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. "
Man critical after jump from bridge to escape fight
Belfast Newsletter, UK -
AN 18-year-old man is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after jumping from a footbridge in Belfast city centre to escape a fight.It is believed the teenager and his three friends were on the footbridge from Lanyon Place to East Bridge Street around 9.30pm on Saturday when they were approached by four youths.
A struggle developed and the 18-year-old jumped to escape.
He fell about 20 feet to the road below. He was later taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Last night Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said the path the young man had been taking had almost become a "no-go area for locals".
"There have been a number of incidents in this area, many of which have been sectarian.
"It is just unbelievable. At night people use this as a shortcut from the Odyssey and I am told there are young people milling around just waiting to pounce on somebody.
"The police are repeatedly called to this part of Belfast. It is appalling.
"This is becoming a no-go area for locals. I know loads of local people who would not even dream of going along that way at all."
Mr Rodgers said it was "deeply disturbing" that a young man who went for a night out now ends up "fighting for his life in a Belfast hospital".
He said: "This is horrendous and deeply worrying at a time when so many visitors are coming to our city, particularly at weekends. Things like this frighten people off.
"I am urging anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact the police."
SDLP MLA Carmel Hanna also urged anyone with information to cooperate with the PSNI.
She said: "This is one of several such incidents throughout the north this weekend as a result of feral aggression, probably fuelled by alcohol and drugs.
"This could well be a life ruined by a few seconds of vicious stupidity by his attackers."
Three youths, all aged 15, were arrested but later released pending report.
A fourth male was released on bail pending further inquiries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact detectives at Musgrave Street station on 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Long Hair Discrimination case in N. Ireland
SCHOOL WELCOMES COURT RULING IN HAIRCUT ROW - Newtownabbey Today
21 January 2008The Rathcoole teenager was suspended for three days in November for refusing to get his hair cut and was later segregated from other pupils on his return to school.
Lawyers for the 16-year-old and another pupil disciplined for the length of his hair had contested the action, claiming that the school's rules sexually discriminated against boys.
However, after a three-day judicial review hearing, the judge said he was satisfied that the school's code was not unlawful.
Mr Justice Weatherup ruled that Grant Stranaghan's human rights had not been breached, but added that he should have been put on detention rather than being segregated from his classmates.
The judge said that as segregation was "not part of the disciplinary policy", a lesser sanction should have been used upon his return to school after his suspension.
"We are obviously pleased that the judge has decided that our code of conduct, including our uniform code, is lawful. This is an important decision, not just for Ballyclare High School, but for all other schools and organisations which operate a uniform code.
"We have been deeply grateful for the huge support which we have received from all quarters throughout this process. We know that the overwhelming majority of our parents and pupils will be pleased and relieved that we can now carry on with the proper business of the school," a statement issued on behalf of the school said.
Speaking to the Newtownabbey Times on Monday, Grant's father, George Stranaghan, confirmed that he is awaiting confirmation from his solicitor regarding the exact wording of the appeal decision and advice on what steps he can take next.
Mr Stranaghan has vowed to appeal against the ruling that his son wasn't discriminated against, vowing to take the case further, including possibly to the European Court of Human Rights.
"If the appeal doesn't work then I am willing to go the whole way for him. We will go as far as we can with this," he commented.
"I am waiting for the school to apologise at the very least. I think we are due an apology after they put him (Grant) in solitary confinement for six weeks," Mr Stranaghan added.
Grant is currently sitting his mock GCSE exams, and his father is waiting to see what action the school is going to take when he returns to classes.
Ballyclare High School's rules on hairstyles do not permit male pupils to grow their hair to a length that reaches their blazer collar.
SCHOOLBOY IS BEING 'DISCRIMINATED' AGAINST, COURT HEARS
Newtown Abbey Today16 January 2008
"This is one of the clearest instances of direct discrimination this court is likely to see," the barrister said.
The school is seeking a court ruling on the validity of its uniform policy and procedures amid claims that it is discriminating against fifth form pupil Grant Stranaghan for having long hair.
The 16-year-old was suspended for refusing to cut his hair.
At the judicial review hearing, a barrister, appearing for a second boy given detention on the same grounds, urged the court to find the policies unlawful.
The lawyer claimed that enforcing uniform policy in the school differed between the sexes and that boys received less favourable treatment through being denied their choice of hairstyles.
According to the school's uniform and dress code rules girls with long hair should have it tied back. They are not permitted to have extreme hairstyles and colours.
Boys, meanwhile, are forbidden to have hair touching blazer collars or severe number-one cuts.
Opening his response, the barrister produced a photograph of prefects from a recent school magazine.
He said: "What one sees is a number of boys and girls. The boys in the prefects' picture are all in compliance with the school's policy, they appear to have hair cuts in keeping with the policy.
"The girls, on the other hand, have a variety of hairstyles. On a quick count I see 30 female pupils in the image, and of those, 27 are in breach of the school rules.
"They do not have their hair tied back neatly with a clip or ribbon. There may be three female pupils who are in compliance."
The hearing continues.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The father of a teenager caught up in a court battle over his hairstyle last night told of the terrifying moment his son was attacked by a young thug brandishing a pair of scissors.
Grant Stranaghan (15) stayed away from school yesterday as a result of the sinister incident - which happened as he was travelling home on the school bus on Friday afternoon.
His father, George, took the decision to keep his son at home over concerns that his safety could not be guaranteed after the attack.
The schoolboy has become embroiled in a row which could have massive legal implications for schools across Northern Ireland.
Last month, he was given a three-day suspension from Ballyclare High School because his hair was two inches long. Since returning to school - over two weeks ago - the teenager has been kept isolated from his classmates.
Mr Stranaghan said: "We just aren't sleeping over all of this.
" Grant was sitting on the bus on Friday when he realised that someone was coming up behind him.
"He turned around and there was a boy there with a big pair of scissors. Grant was able to push him away but when you think what could have happened it's very worrying.
"If the bus driver had to brake - it was like coming at him with two big knives. We kept him away from school because we just don't know if he's safe or not."
The Belfast Telegraph revealed yesterday that Ballyclare High School - where Grant is a fifth year pupil - is seeking affirmation from the High Court that its actions have been legal.
A statement from the school said: "Ballyclare High School has begun legal proceedings to support its position regarding the case of a boy who was suspended for deliberately flouting school rules by refusing to have his long hair cut."
The school took the action after Mr Stranaghan said he intends to apply for leave for a judicial review into the matter and ask for his son to be allowed to return to class, claiming that he is suffering sexual discrimination, as well as a breach of his human rights.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
BBC NEWS | Northern Ireland | Fury as long-haired son suspended
BBC NEWS | Northern Ireland | Fury as long-haired son suspended
Tuesday, 27 November 2007,
A 15-year-old rock music fan suspended from school for refusing to cut his long hair says he will not back down.Grant Stranaghan, a GCSE student at Ballyclare High, was suspended for three days last week for having collar-length hair.
Upon his return, he was excluded from class for still not getting a hair cut.
His father George said: "I could have cried when he told me what they did to him - they put him in a room and threw work at him, no contact with anyone."
"This is Northern Ireland in 2007. Solitary confinement, I think it's called - he did say he got plenty of work done, but I don't think it's fair."
Mr Stranaghan, from Rathcoole in Newtownabbey, has threatened legal action, saying the school is in breach of British law, European law and gender laws.
I would be depressed without my hair
Grant StranaghanYear 11 pupil and rock music fan Grant told the BBC's Nolan Show that his long hair is a crucial part of his personal identity.
"I don't see why I should get my hair cut for them - it is my hair, my natural appearance and I don't think it's within their right to tell me to get my hair cut. I would be depressed without my hair - I've had it cut short before and I feel really bad for weeks afterwards, it's not a good experience."
School principal David Knox said there was never any intention to cause a stand-off.
He said Grant had been suspended because he was in breach of school regulations, adding that he would discuss the matter further with Mr Stranaghan.
More background here:
Not an inch - Local & National - News - Belfast Telegraph
Mr Stranaghan believes his son should not have to conform to what he deems draconian regulations.
The 45-year-old historian and Loughside Football Club coach said: "Grant is a great wee lad. We have never had any problems with him at all. In 12 years at school there has been nothing. His attendance at school is exemplary.
"He is just a normal lad. He is into that type of music, rock music where they all have long hair. He is very quiet and doesn't bother anyone."
Grant's hair is two inches below his collar - a breach of the school rules which state boy's hair must be above the collar. Added Mr Stranaghan: " I don't think two inches of hair should affect 12 years of education. Why should he have to cut his hair? I can't make him get his hair cut.
"What am I supposed to do, hold him down or go in with a pair of scissors when he is asleep?
"We did take him to get it cut but it wasn't enough and he was really annoyed at having to get it cut up to the length it is. He doesn't want to cut it any more. He has offered to tie it back in a pony tail but they are having none of it.
"It's against every law in the land to make him do something he doesn't want to."
But Mr Stranaghan said: "I'll take this the whole way. They are breaking every rule in British law, European law and in terms of gender law."
In a statement released yesterday Ballyclare High School principal, David Knox, said: "A pupil was suspended under the School's Discipline policy for repeated and persistent breaches of the school rules.
" This action is unusual in this school where there is a high level of co-operation from our pupils. The suspension was for three days only and was imposed only after all other sanctions had failed to prompt a positive response.
"The pupil has now returned to school. I had hoped to discuss the way forward with his parents, but they declined to meet me this morning, Monday, November 26 to discuss the matter and have declined to meet me tomorrow morning.
"The school has at all times attempted to be reasonable while implementing the policies of the Board of Governors who represent parents, teachers and the community."
A text poll on yesterday's Nolan Show on BBC Radio Ulster revealed that 69% of listeners thought Grant should cut his hair and get on with doing his GCSEs.
The poll on the bbc site above is currently supporting Grant.
