Have you a fag?......leads to assault

Youngblood.III

Reading about this in Galway, the poor guy had his jaw broken, when asked for a cigarette some chicken-**** decided to blindside him with a punch, what in God's name is wrong with people?
This really angers me, as it happens the exact same thing happened to me too a few years ago, spent a week in hospital, really ****ed with my mental health for a long time.

Why do people feel the need to hurt someone over nothing, it's a totally shameful act.

I hope whoever done this gets a big dose of karma.

Rant over.

irish gent

Very sorry to hear that , What a sick thing to do.

AndyBoBandy

For every 3/4/10 nice/normal people, theres at least 1 absolute tosser scumbag waste of a human life lurking.

Brief_Lives

Have you a link tothis...

it is a disgrace that this happens in our society... I rarely see it outside of the Anglo Saxon countries...

biko

Galway city thread
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057527850

Hope the Gardai find these scum and throw them down some stairs.

LDN_Irish

Agree with you, random violence us awful and does **** with your head after you're a victim of it. I had my first dose of it as a teen in London when someone ran up behind me and hit me with a table leg, I actually got the weapon off him and managed to chase him and his friends off so logically I "won" the encounter. That doesn't matter though because I guarantee he wasn't looking over his shoulder for years. Had a few attempted robberies on me over there too, never actually gave anything up but it still changes your mentality when you're out and about.

Youngblood.III

Thanks, seriously Garda should be stopping groups of wasters about towns and cities late at night (the ones that obviously not out for social reasons)
Stop them, take names and tell them...."anything happens in town tonight we'll be looking for you lot to see if your involved"..can't be that hard.

Duggy747

Scummers gonna scum and Galway is brutal for unprovoked attacks. Have heard and known so many people getting viciously assaulted for no reason there, not just random punches but full on random beat-downs.

One friend was bottled over the head as he walked home alone after being asked for a fag, he lost an enormous amount of blood. He was told that another short while of bleeding out and he was a goner, scummers were never caught.

I like the place but there's a lot of dodge spots you just don't walk around alone at night, even if it's to some of the 24-hour shops.

draiochtanois

This post has been deleted.

Into The Blue

draiochtanois wrote: »

Seriously?

We can hope

Omackeral

I find it really scummy to just go ask a perfect stranger for a smoke. Imagine walking up to someone and saying "you wouldn't have a spare chewing gum* bud would ya?".


*although if they said an extra Wrigley's Extra I'd be inclined to give them one.

draiochtanois

This post has been deleted.

DubiousV

*although if they said an extra Wrigley's Extra I'd be inclined to give them one.[/QUOTE]

Not sure if that's a double entendre or not, think I need another coffee.

gramar

draiochtanois wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Then it's called justice.

BattleCorp

draiochtanois wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

You know what, you are right. We should give violent thugs sweets and cuddles. That'll teach them.

Turtyturd

draiochtanois wrote: »

So the solution to violent crime is to have those who are meant to prevent it indulge in it themselves?

Nobody said it's a solution. It's been going on since the formation of the Gards and hasn't solved anything.

henryporter

BattleCorp wrote: »

You know what, you are right. We should give violent thugs sweets and cuddles. That'll teach them.

Don't forget, these poor thugs probably come from poor, unloved, substance abusing backgrounds (i.e. the usual crap peddled out in the courts), so cuddles and sweets might do the trick.

Yester

BattleCorp wrote: »

You know what, you are right. We should give violent thugs sweets and cuddles. That'll teach them.

Yeah, especially the diabetic ones.

Any time a random scummer approaches me asking for change, cigarette to borrow my phone I'm immediately thinking they are on the prowl to do something like this. Luckily nothing has ever materialised.

My ole la was heading to the chipper one night after a few pints almost 20 years ago, he'd have been about 50, very respectable looking chap but well able to handle himself (two wins away from national boxing title back in the day when he was 19), two scummers asked him would he have 50p.

Ole lad knew what was coming, sized them up, dug deep into his pocket, pulled out some change, put his hand out low towards the nearest fella and says "Is there a 50p there for you?". Your man leaned in, ole lad grabbed him by the neck and head butted him. Other cnut wasn't interested in any 50p after that. The ole lad is pretty cool tbf.

ceannair06

Augeo wrote: »

Any time a random scummer approaches me asking for change, cigarette to borrow my phone I'm immediately thinking they are on the prowl to do something like this. Luckily nothing has ever materialised.

My ole la was heading to the chipper one night after a few pints almost 20 years ago, he'd have been about 50, very respectable looking chap but well able to handle himself (two wins away from national boxing title back in the day when he was 19), two scummers asked him would he have 50p.

Ole lad knew what was coming, sized them up, dug deep into his pocket, pulled out some change, put his hand out low towards the nearest fella and says "Is there a 50p there for you?". Your man leaned in, ole lad grabbed him by the neck and head butted him. Other cnut wasn't interested in any 50p after that. The ole lad is pretty cool tbf.

What a man!!!!!

jobbridge4life

henryporter wrote: »

Don't forget, these poor thugs probably come from poor, unloved, substance abusing backgrounds (i.e. the usual crap peddled out in the courts), so cuddles and sweets might do the trick.

You say that like it isn't true?

SEPT 23 1989

Augeo wrote: »

Any time a random scummer approaches me asking for change, cigarette to borrow my phone I'm immediately thinking they are on the prowl to do something like this. Luckily nothing has ever materialised.

My ole la was heading to the chipper one night after a few pints almost 20 years ago, he'd have been about 50, very respectable looking chap but well able to handle himself (two wins away from national boxing title back in the day when he was 19), two scummers asked him would he have 50p.

Ole lad knew what was coming, sized them up, dug deep into his pocket, pulled out some change, put his hand out low towards the nearest fella and says "Is there a 50p there for you?". Your man leaned in, ole lad grabbed him by the neck and head butted him. Other cnut wasn't interested in any 50p after that. The ole lad is pretty cool tbf.

was ole lad wearing a Sombrero?

cerastes

Duggy747 wrote: »

Scummers gonna scum and Galway is brutal for unprovoked attacks. Have heard and known so many people getting viciously assaulted for no reason there, not just random punches but full on random beat-downs.

One friend was bottled over the head as he walked home alone after being asked for a fag, he lost an enormous amount of blood. He was told that another short while of bleeding out and he was a goner, scummers were never caught.

I like the place but there's a lot of dodge spots you just don't walk around alone at night, even if it's to some of the 24-hour shops.

Is this renowned as a galway thing, was attacked by a group of lads driving a galway reg car, all country lads, not great at the accents but doesn't chnage the fact they were and are scum.
While I've had people face off to me in Dublin, this was particular in that I was asked an innocent question and blindsided when I let my gaurd down, despite getting a dig full on in the jaw/cheek the scumbag surprisingly didn't manage to knock me over as I was fairly drunk, have to say since that I'm very cautious about people getting close and and for signs of impending violence, fortunately it was only a box, although was followed by a barrage of them from his mates too, I was lucky my incident didn't involve a knife, knew a guy who met his end in that way.

Youngblood.III

I honestly don't give sweet **** as to what way they were reared...on some level of intelligence (even an low IQ) everyone knows beating the **** out of someone for nothing is wrong.
It should be treated as attempted murder in my eyes..
....what if that galway guys neck had been broken instead of his jaw.

SEPT 23 1989

SEPT 23 1989 wrote: »

was ole lad wearing a Sombrero?

Would have had a flat cap if it was winter.

BlibBlab

Similar thing happened to me, was asked if I had a cigarette, said no I don't smoke and was punched in the face. Luckily I came out of it with only a bruise and not a broken jaw, but most of these scum should be locked up. Nearly guaranteed they have several prior convictions, and thats only on the stuff thats reported.

valoren

About 6 years ago. North Main St in Cork.

Walking home with the older brother after a few pints.

Three 'youths' round the corner, drinking from glass bottles.
I can tell that they're spoiling for some aggro.

One says to the brother "Do you have a light?"

"Nah boy, I don't smoke"

"I DIDN'T FCKING ASKED YOU IF YOU SMOKED!!"

Get's into his face as he shouts this, while raising his bottle as if to smash his face.
Brother, stupidly and drunkenly, squares up to him. I pull him away and we file away.
He was being the big man in front of his pals*

So not 10 seconds later a squad car rounds the corner onto the North Main St, the 3 lads make a dash for it.
I ran after the aggressor and caught him a little up the street. Just grabbed him by the jacket. Not a rugby tackle or anything heroic.

The squad car pulls over, tell me they'll take it from there and start to question him.
Seemed like we weren't the first to get some aggro from them according to one guard.

I'll always remember his answer to how old he was.

"17th May 1991" - In that high pitched, butter wouldn't melt in my mouth way.

A hard man no more, just a chicken **** cowards with fck all better to do with themselves .

* His 'pals' obviously left him to it with the Guards.

FloatingVoter

henryporter wrote: »

Don't forget, these poor thugs probably come from poor, unloved, substance abusing backgrounds (i.e. the usual crap peddled out in the courts), so cuddles and sweets might do the trick.

...and don't forget the rental suit and the girlfriend with baby on loan for court appearances. After 87 appearances the baby never ages and the girlfriend comes in all shapes and sizes. Another ASBO and 4 weeks picking up litter.

Flippyfloppy

Any sweeties on ya pal?

FloatingVoter

Flippyfloppy wrote: »

Any sweeties on ya pal?

Are ye lookin' ?

Into The Blue

draiochtanois wrote: »

So the solution to violent crime is to have those who are meant to prevent it indulge in it themselves?

Now you're getting it. Would you be so quick to turn the other cheek if it was your child on the receiving end?

Into The Blue

Augeo wrote: »

Any time a random scummer approaches me asking for change, cigarette to borrow my phone I'm immediately thinking they are on the prowl to do something like this. Luckily nothing has ever materialised.

My ole la was heading to the chipper one night after a few pints almost 20 years ago, he'd have been about 50, very respectable looking chap but well able to handle himself (two wins away from national boxing title back in the day when he was 19), two scummers asked him would he have 50p.

Ole lad knew what was coming, sized them up, dug deep into his pocket, pulled out some change, put his hand out low towards the nearest fella and says "Is there a 50p there for you?". Your man leaned in, ole lad grabbed him by the neck and head butted him. Other cnut wasn't interested in any 50p after that. The ole lad is pretty cool tbf.

What if they were just 50p short of a snack box?????!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor feckers, nervous wrecks after the assault never left the house after dark again.

Now where's that pacman face on the phone site??!!

6541

Tip for you all. Personal space is personal space for a reason. Never let anybody that you do not want into it. If some random ask for a fag, hands up straight away, in front of face but enough to get the first punch in.
Always be spatial aware. look for your route out of danger. In short be ready. There is **** on the streets !

Flippyfloppy

FloatingVoter wrote: »

Are ye lookin' ?

Startin are ye?!

Yester

I get asked for a fag sometimes but I smoke rollies so it's really awkward. I'm not willing to hand over my pouch of tobbaco to a stranger so I end up rolling one for them. This leads us to being in each others company for about 30 seconds or so. Then it comes to the moment when you have to use your tongue to seal the rolly and you are both trying not to make eye contact. Very awkward all round.

jobbridge4life

6541 wrote: »

Tip for you all. Personal space is personal space for a reason. Never let anybody that you do not want into it. If some random ask for a fag, hands up straight away, in front of face but enough to get the first punch in.
Always be spatial aware. look for your route out of danger. In short be ready. There is **** on the streets !

Do you actually live your life like that? What a horrible way to exist.

jobbridge4life

Augeo wrote: »

Any time a random scummer approaches me asking for change, cigarette to borrow my phone I'm immediately thinking they are on the prowl to do something like this. Luckily nothing has ever materialised.

My ole la was heading to the chipper one night after a few pints almost 20 years ago, he'd have been about 50, very respectable looking chap but well able to handle himself (two wins away from national boxing title back in the day when he was 19), two scummers asked him would he have 50p.

Ole lad knew what was coming, sized them up, dug deep into his pocket, pulled out some change, put his hand out low towards the nearest fella and says "Is there a 50p there for you?". Your man leaned in, ole lad grabbed him by the neck and head butted him. Other cnut wasn't interested in any 50p after that. The ole lad is pretty cool tbf.

That sounds awfully like an unprovoked assault.

LDN_Irish

jobbridge4life wrote: »

Do you actually live your life like that? What a horrible way to exist.

I do now. Learnt my lessons already. You're right, it's not great but it's much better than being blindsided by a coward and having people kick you in the head while you're defenseless for something to tell their mates.

There are enough people who leave their house actually looking forward to something kicking off. If they don't get what they want with some similar minded people then any man (and more rarely woman) is a potential target that make it a genuine risk rather than just the usual paranoia about the "country getting worse."

TerrorFirmer

Augeo wrote: »

Any time a random scummer approaches me asking for change, cigarette to borrow my phone I'm immediately thinking they are on the prowl to do something like this. Luckily nothing has ever materialised.

My ole la was heading to the chipper one night after a few pints almost 20 years ago, he'd have been about 50, very respectable looking chap but well able to handle himself (two wins away from national boxing title back in the day when he was 19), two scummers asked him would he have 50p.

Ole lad knew what was coming, sized them up, dug deep into his pocket, pulled out some change, put his hand out low towards the nearest fella and says "Is there a 50p there for you?". Your man leaned in, ole lad grabbed him by the neck and head butted him. Other cnut wasn't interested in any 50p after that. The ole lad is pretty cool tbf.

No idea why people are thanking a story which appears to outline a brutal and unprovoked attack.

I get asked if I've a euro for a hostel/a smoke/a lighter/spare change all the time.

Should I start head butting them now instead of just saying 'no, sorry'?

draiochtanois

This post has been deleted.

Samaris

Interesting point about young men being more likely to be approached like that, and from my experience, I agree that that particular one doesn't tend to happen to women so much. I assume on the Hard Man scale, intimidating or randomly punching a woman rates a lot lower on the scale than punching a man!

Mind you, I can only imagine the confused reaction of someone that asks a bloke for a cigarette and suddenly the other chap's got his hands up in front of his face! I can only assume that my reaction to that would be to back away slowly and look bewildered! (Having said that, I'm not a threatening-looking person.)

Also agree that it's the -randomness- that's possibly the most long-lasting effect of it all. Didn't do anything to provoke it, followed all the 'normal rules of society' so to speak, and get punished for it. Makes you very edgy and nervous. When I was in England, walking home after my evening shift as a carer for an elderly woman, I had a man edge towards me as he approached on the path. It was a main road, but it was late evening and fairly isolated. He had a bike with him, and he used it to 'herd' me a bit. I was watching him out of the corner of my eye, because something didn't feel right, and as he got level with me, he suddenly shot out a hand and grabbed me quite hard between the legs. I leaped back away from him and got right up the path before turning to -stare- at him, and shouted for him to leave (I was afraid he might follow me otherwise, and I wanted him to know I was getting a damned good look at him). Anyway, scared him off, called the police, etc. etc. But the point to the story is that it shook me badly, and for ages afterwards, I was giving lone men a wide berth on paths, watching them as they walked past, afraid to walk alone at night, all the usual stuff.

Long story short, random attacks are particularly scary because there's little to nothing one can do to prevent them happening; some people are just scum. And I hope they catch the Galway guy and throw the book at him. In the face.

jobbridge4life

jobbridge4life wrote: »

That sounds awfully like an unprovoked assault.

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

No idea why people are thanking a story which appears to outline a brutal and unprovoked attack.

I get asked if I've a euro for a hostel/a smoke/a lighter/spare change all the time.

Should I start head butting them now instead of just saying 'no, sorry'?

haha

better safe than sorry imo

SEPT 23 1989

on Liveline now?

Realt Dearg Sec

Augeo wrote: »

haha

better safe than sorry imo

On another reading of your story, your father sounds like exactly the kind of person this thread is about, someone who randomly attacks people for absolutely no reason, not the solution to the problem.

El Weirdo

Augeo wrote: »

haha

better safe than sorry imo

What would your reaction be if the scumbag in the OP used that line as his defence?

Bobby Baccala

6541 wrote: »

Tip for you all. Personal space is personal space for a reason. Never let anybody that you do not want into it. If some random ask for a fag, hands up straight away, in front of face but enough to get the first punch in.
Always be spatial aware. look for your route out of danger. In short be ready. There is **** on the streets !

What a fúcking mental existence. Think you need to grow up a bit!

GreatDefector

BattleCorp wrote: »

You know what, you are right. We should give violent thugs sweets and cuddles. That'll teach them.

and a playstation when they're eventually locked up for 5 years with 4.5 suspended

LDN_Irish

Samaris wrote: »

Mind you, I can only imagine the confused reaction of someone that asks a bloke for a cigarette and suddenly the other chap's got his hands up in front of his face! I can only assume that my reaction to that would be to back away slowly and look bewildered! (Having said that, I'm not a threatening-looking person.)

Haha, well I don't quite do it like the previous poster. Back when I smoked if i was asked out on the street in an isolated area, I wouldn't throw the hands up. I'd say yes and be friendly but I'd only use one hand at a time to get my cigarettes and lighter out. Both hands in the pockets at the same time is leaving yourself defenceless against a sucker punch.

I've been asked for a fag many a time and the vast majority of people, probably 99% are just looking for a fag but it's the 1% of the time you have to be careful of.

Another tip is if asked the time by a gang of lads in English cities is to just say you don't have it. They don't need the time, they need to see what phone you're gonna check the time on to.see if it's worth robbing you. I'm not believing that any group of more than 2 have somehow all been left without a phone that tells the time on them.

Realt Dearg Sec

Realt Dearg Sec wrote: »

On another reading of your story, your father sounds like exactly the kind of person this thread is about, someone who randomly attacks people for absolutely no reason, not the solution to the problem.

El Weirdo wrote: »

What would your reaction be if the scumbag in the OP used that line as his defence?

Ok, the ole lad was fairly sure he was going to be a victim of an assault
So he acted prior to the assault.

I'm sure the lad in Galway with the broken jaw would prefer if he handled his situation like my ole lad did. Instead of being the victim he'd now be viewed as a scumbag by the likes of ye two but I'm sure he wouldn't really give a feck.

The ole lad hs of course een asked for change, the time and smokes etc countless times over his life and the situation described happened once, make of it as you will, he trusted his gut.

BenedrylPete

I think the 'do you have a smoke' thing in certain contexts is a sign youre about to get mugged.

If you answer back they take you for someone who doesnt recognize the situation/has no street smarts and therefore is a good target.

Ive had a situation where i was asked, i replied and an attempted mugging followed.
Made him think twice though, just with some intimidation, no attack took place but hands were raised. No mistake/imagination.

So 'do you have a smoke' in certain contexts might translate as 'are you a soft target'. Ignore the question look for exits and watch your back.

SEPT 23 1989

Never been mugged after being asked for a smoke but then again I smoke John Player Blue