‘The next thing I knew I was punched hard in the face’

My 21st birthday — brilliant! Up early. Got 20 beautiful presents up until lunchtime —then....wow! A new car!

The evening got even better — family and close friends at a surprise party on board an historic paddle steamer.
My friends and I left the ship to go to the clubs and dance the rest of the night away. My birthday was a day of dreams. That was until we got hungry!
Standing in the queue for a kebab with my friends minding my own business. I was not expecting, nor was I prepared for what happened next. A middle aged man and two women who had attempted to jump the queue move towards me. The next thing I knew the man punched me extremely hard in the face and dragged me to the floor by my hair.
During the next few minutes, my assailants managed to kick and punch me over my entire body and steal my new necklace, bracelet, phone and other small personal items. The attackers left the shop quickly! During the whole attack, no one, except my friend, came to my aid! Where does the saying “turn a blind eye” come from?
The police were called and statements made at the nearby police station. To this day – the great British police have shown no interest whatsoever in what was technically an assault and robbery. My new pink birthday dress bears the evidence of the many kicks from these cowards.
Then the crunch came — “sorry, you have a detached retina and could go blind”. That was the last thing I needed to hear from the specialist at the hospital where I was treated for my injuries. One year later, after invasive laser surgery, massive steroid and anti viral drug dosages (and the resulting weight gain) I am in possession of two good eyes. But what I am not in possession of is the ability to understand this form of behaviour, nor do I have the skills to combat an attack of this type. Do you have this ability?
I don’t know whether a self defence class would have prepared me for what was a cowardly, underhand attack by animals that are not worthy of the title ‘human’. Perhaps there is a case for carrying an Uzi machine gun?
I walk the streets more cautiously now. Looking into shadows — aware of the risks! Angry, but I have gone past the revenge stage now....maybe! Do yourself a favour girls....learn self defence — not just how to kick and punch like Jet Lee, but how to assess the potential risks in any walk of life.....might just save your eyes!

· Charlotte M Speechley