Editorial: Attack tale draws lots of response

Andrew Austin.

There is something rather pleasing about a tale of someone with the odds stacked against them standing up for themselves and prevailing.

When the person perceived to be weak or vulnerable shows that they are stronger than the attacker or aggressor, we all cheer.

We have had a tremendous response to our story in yesterday's paper about a 21-year old German tourist who was attacked by a group of men while he was sitting in his car at the Guppy Rd riverbank having a quiet smoke.

No doubt the group thought this would be easy pickings, but unfortunately for them, the man was an ex-German Army troop and he certainly knew how to fight back. He took on his attackers, but as with all cowards, one took him on from behind and he felt a sharp blow. It was only later that he discovered that he had been stabbed with something, probably a small pen-knife.

Thankfully the man is okay as it could have been worse.

I have told this story before, but it is worth retelling. It is about legendary American heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey, who was mugged as an old man in his seventies. He was walking home in the late 1960s or early 1970s when two young thugs decided to attack him, obviously thinking an old man would be an easy target. They attempted to grab his arms but Dempsey broke free and, next thing they were both knocked out cold on the sidewalk.

These are great stories of courage by people who refuse to be intimidated.

Let's hope our German tourist does not let this incident taint his image of the Bay. I invite him to contact us at the paper so we can introduce him to you.