"Enough is enough!"



Wednesday 25 January 2012

"Enough is enough!"

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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