Dyfed Powys Police is urging members of the public to show their support for a campaign seeking to call time on violent crime by making an online pledge.
The #PaulsPledge campaign now has an online profile where people can pledge to ‘never commit or condone alcohol-fuelled violence or aggression, or any violence fullstop.’
The online petition is the next step in encouraging people to stop and think about the consequences of violence for the victim and the offender.
#PaulsPledge was launched in December 2014 and is led by Paul Pugh, a 34 year old man who is still suffering the effects of a vicious, unprovoked attack that happened on a night out eight years ago.
Despite the fact that he will never fully recover from injuries that left him having to learn how to walk and talk again, Paul has bravely used his experience to campaign against alcohol-fuelled violence.
Paul Pugh said: “I was overwhelmed by the support and kind comments I received at the launch of #PaulsPledge in December 2014. I hope the launch of the online pledge will encourage even more support. I want my message to reach as many people as possible to try and stop anything like what I have been through happening to anyone else.
As part of the campaign, Paul has filmed a 15-minute documentary, which starts with the 999 call made to emergency services after the attack.
In harrowing CCTV footage, viewers see Paul entering the Old Cross Inn with mates from his football team Cwmamman FC, and leaving on his own before being surrounded by his attackers who reined kicks and blows to his head and body in the devastating assault.
The footage, whilst dramatically capturing the scene, does not clearly show the attack, and has been released by the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership and Dyfed Powys Police at Paul’s wish, and is being shown in schools, colleges and youth clubs across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire as part of his campaign.
Acting Inspector Teresa Ross, Campaign Founder, said: “Make your online pledge today to show your support for #PaulsPledge and vow to never condone or commit violent behaviour, to walk away from aggression and violence, to drink alcohol responsibly and encourage friends and family to do the same.
“Paul’s story is harrowing and really demonstrates the devastating consequences of alcohol-fuelled violence.”
Cllr Pam Palmer, Chair of the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership, said: “The show of support for this campaign when it was launched in December was overwhelming. It would be great to keep that momentum going throughout the year with this online feature, so that Paul’s Pledge is spread far and wide – we need as many people as possible to take the pledge and encourage others to do the same.”
The online #PaulsPledge can be found at www.causes.com/paulspledge. Once you’ve made your pledge announce it on social media using #PaulsPledge.
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