Parents ‘key to ending wave of violence’

Aug 15 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

THE Chief Constable of Cheshire Police has hit out at parents who “abdicate” responsibility for their children following the murder of Warrington father-of-three Garry Newlove.

Peter Fahy said Mr Newlove’s death had reopened debate about the causes of anti-social behaviour and said alcohol was fuelling a wave of violence and disorder across the country.

He said that despite an increase in the number of police officers, there was still a “long way to go” in clamping down on yob behaviour and anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol which is “too cheap, too strong and too readily available”.

His comments came as three boys appeared in court charged with Mr Newlove’s murder.

The 47-year-old was attacked outside his home in Warrington on Friday at 10.45pm after a confrontation with a gang of youths who were vandalising a vehicle.

It is understood the attack may have been filmed by the gang and police have confirmed that a number of mobile phones have been seized.

Mr Newlove, a sales manager at a Manchester plastics company, died in hospital on Sunday from massive head injuries with his family at his bedside.

His youngest daughter, Amy, believed to be 12, had written an emotional letter to her father as he lay fighting for his life in Warrington Hospital.

In it she told her father that he was the best dad that anyone could have asked for and wrote: “We will deeply miss you.

She added: “I love you so much and I do hope you can fight this.

“I love you! From your darling daughter who loves you so much and from the whole family. “WE LOVE YOU!! AND DON’T GIVE IN!! xxxxxxxx”

Yesterday, three youths – two aged 15 and a third aged 16 – appeared at Runcorn Youth Court.

The boys, spoke only to confirm their names and addresses.

Joanne Parsons, prosecuting, told the court Mr Newlove’s post-mortem showed he died as a result of a haemorrhage caused by a hard blow near his left ear.

Roger Allanson, defending the 15-year-olds, said they both denied the charge.

All three were remanded into local authority secure accommodation to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on August 20.

An application for bail for the 15-year-olds was refused and there was no application for bail for the 16-year-old.

Chairman of the Bench Quentin Greenwood allowed Mr Newlove’s family to sit in the youth court, which is usually closed to members of the public.

He did so despite an objection from Mr Allanson.

Three teenagers were last night helping police with their investigation into the murder of Mr Newlove. Cheshire Police said an 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both from Warrington, were arrested yesterday.

They join another 18-year-old who was arrested yesterday and is also helping police with their inquiries.

Mr Fahy said the tragic death should be a wake-up call to all parents to take control and responsibility for their children’s behaviour.

He added: “Every night of the week, Cheshire officers and our PCSOs are engaged in a constant battle against anti-social behaviour and alcohol-induced violence. Parents should be the key to tackling this problem.”

OPINION: PAGE 10

carolineinnes