Today's most viewed
| LATEST NEWS | | | |  | | | | SALE SHARKS | | | | | READERS' LETTERS | | |
|
|
|
'I thought I was going to die'
 |
| Julie Pickford was attacked on the Metrolink. Pic: MEN |
A MUM "thought she was going to die" after being attacked by a band of youths on the Metrolink in Timperley.
Julie Pickford, 46, received a fractured eye socket and severe cuts and bruises after she boarded the tram while returning from a night out in Manchester and was assaulted by a 30-strong gang.
It is alleged Julie, a former police officer and Judo black belt, intervened to stop rowdy youths throwing popcorn at passengers but became the victim of a vicious assault.
The mother-of-two from Northwich said: "The only suitable punishment for youths like this is detention. They should have a spell of being made to behave but I'm sure all they'll get is a slap on the wrists. I hope their parents can now see what they are capable of.
"I really thought I was going to die. I managed to cover my head but my arms are black and blue."
Officers were called to the Park Road station by tram passengers.
They said Mrs Pickford had been involved in an argument with a number of youths, and was punched in the face and kicked in the leg. She is now undergoing tests for damage to her kidneys.
Doctors told Julie the injuries to her kidney were consistent with being in a violent rugby scrum.
Julie had £50 stolen by the gang who threw her off the tram and hurled abuse at her. She said: "The problem is when they go round in packs. They are animals.
"These are young fit people going round, getting others on the floor and kicking them in the head. You can't do anything once you're on the floor. We've seen this with Garry Newlove and that poor goth that was kicked to death.
"The kids might think kicking people in the head isn't dangerous but it is. If I was an older woman, I've no doubt police would be investigating a murder.
"Other than being bruised, I feel angry. My sons are furious. To think that you can't reprimand a youth for misbehaving is ridiculous. You don't expect to be kicked and punched."
Cllr John Lamb, who was travelling on the tram at the time, has written to Trafford's Chief Superintendent, Janette McCormick, expressing his disgust. He wrote: "I have witnessed many acts of anti-social behaviour but I have to say what I witnessed on Friday evening was appalling, shocking and totally unacceptable.
"A middle aged woman was on the floor of the tram while a chanting, baying mob of early teenage boys and girls shrieked at the tops of their voices. She was hemmed in and youths stood on seats to throw in their insults."
A 15-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of assault and bailed until May 20.
A GMP spokesperson said: "Over the last few weeks there has been an increase in the number of people using the Metrolink due to recently-opened leisure facilities in Altrincham.
"As a result of this increase in passenger numbers there has been a recent increase in the number of minor incidents where transport users have perhaps felt intimidated.
"We have responded to this by increasing the police presence on Metrolink stations and in the surrounding area in recent weeks, a situation that will continue to help reassure transport users and the wider public in the coming months."
GMPTE's Michael Renshaw, said: "This was an unacceptable incident. We are pleased to hear that, serious although this incident clearly was, Mrs Pickford has not been detained in hospital. We are assisting the police and understand that two arrests have already been made.
"GMPTE has begun an inquiry into the incident and we will continue to work with the police and Stagecoach to see how we can help improve safety on the system further.
"A team of more than 50 inspectors and public safety officers patrol the Metrolink network from early in the morning until the last tram a night, seven days a week, and we are expanding this team.
"We believe that this incident was linked to an illegal gathering in Sale. On this occasion the tram driver's emergency call to the control room meant that nearby Greater Manchester Police officers were first at the scene."
6:32pm Tuesday 29th April 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Nicola, Altrincham on 4:35pm Tue 29 Apr 08
They are scum! pure and simple and should be hung, but no doubt they'll get there wrists slapped and thats it! If the victim is named why cant they name the scum? Their parents should be ashamed !
They are scum! pure and simple and should be hung, but no doubt they'll get there wrists slapped and thats it! If the victim is named why cant they name the scum? Their parents should be ashamed !
Posted by: Chris, Hale on 4:59pm Tue 29 Apr 08
I am convinced the lack of ticket enforcement on the Metrolink is a cause of many of its (and indeed Altrincham's) problems. These yobs can get a 'free' ride into town with little chance of being stopped. What is needed is a permanent manned presence at Altrincham Interchange with ticket barriers.
I am convinced the lack of ticket enforcement on the Metrolink is a cause of many of its (and indeed Altrincham's) problems. These yobs can get a 'free' ride into town with little chance of being stopped. What is needed is a permanent manned presence at Altrincham Interchange with ticket barriers.
Posted by: Morris Minor, Sale on 9:32pm Tue 29 Apr 08
Police on the trams. The answer.
Police on the trams. The answer.
Posted by: 60schild, Sale on 7:29am Wed 30 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Chris[/bold] wrote:
I am convinced the lack of ticket enforcement on the Metrolink is a cause of many of its (and indeed Altrincham's) problems. These yobs can get a 'free' ride into town with little chance of being stopped. What is needed is a permanent manned presence at Altrincham Interchange with ticket barriers. [/quote] Unfortunately greedy tram operators won't go for this sensible solution. Its the same with the buses one man operation was the death knell in passenger safety. Just like the tram drivers they can do very little to stop the rowdy feral behaviour of these youths.
Chris wrote:
I am convinced the lack of ticket enforcement on the Metrolink is a cause of many of its (and indeed Altrincham's) problems. These yobs can get a 'free' ride into town with little chance of being stopped. What is needed is a permanent manned presence at Altrincham Interchange with ticket barriers.
Unfortunately greedy tram operators won't go for this sensible solution. Its the same with the buses one man operation was the death knell in passenger safety. Just like the tram drivers they can do very little to stop the rowdy feral behaviour of these youths.
Posted by: LA, Urmston on 8:19am Wed 30 Apr 08
This happened on the Tram, was nobody else on the Tram? Surely there was enough people on the Tram to stop this, or did people just sit there and watch this going on!
This happened on the Tram, was nobody else on the Tram? Surely there was enough people on the Tram to stop this, or did people just sit there and watch this going on!
Posted by: Matt, Altrincham on 12:08pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Unfortunately, there's very little even a few adults can do against a hoarde of children intent on criminal behaviour. The children never have tickets and spend the entire evening riding back and forwards on the metrolink causing trouble, abusing paying passengers and committing crimes of criminal damage, theft and assault.
Metrolink know about this, and have known about this for several years. However it's not cost effective to do anything about it, and there seems to be the opinion that 20 children playing music loudly from mobile phones, screeching about their latest drug fueled sexual conquest, throwing things at other passengers; is not illegal. It is. Other passengers should call 999 every time there is a threat of violence from these children, every time they light up a joint (they actually smoke cannabis on the metro, I've seen it) and every time they break the byelaws and conditions of carriage. It's only by putting a pressure on the police that they will put a pressure on metrolink, that we can remove these people from our public transport system.
What you do have to wonder about tho, is why didnt their parents teach them and morals?
Unfortunately, there's very little even a few adults can do against a hoarde of children intent on criminal behaviour. The children never have tickets and spend the entire evening riding back and forwards on the metrolink causing trouble, abusing paying passengers and committing crimes of criminal damage, theft and assault.
Metrolink know about this, and have known about this for several years. However it's not cost effective to do anything about it, and there seems to be the opinion that 20 children playing music loudly from mobile phones, screeching about their latest drug fueled sexual conquest, throwing things at other passengers; is not illegal. It is. Other passengers should call 999 every time there is a threat of violence from these children, every time they light up a joint (they actually smoke cannabis on the metro, I've seen it) and every time they break the byelaws and conditions of carriage. It's only by putting a pressure on the police that they will put a pressure on metrolink, that we can remove these people from our public transport system.
What you do have to wonder about tho, is why didnt their parents teach them and morals?
Posted by: Claire, Altrincham on 12:37pm Wed 30 Apr 08
Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident - the trams are policed at the wrong times - weekend evenings are a free for all. We don't allow our three teenagers to use the trams in the evenings we drive to pick them up. By the way the trouble causers are known to many it is always the same bunch & they NEVER pay the fare.
Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident - the trams are policed at the wrong times - weekend evenings are a free for all. We don't allow our three teenagers to use the trams in the evenings we drive to pick them up. By the way the trouble causers are known to many it is always the same bunch & they NEVER pay the fare.
Posted by: Anon, Partington on 8:16am Thu 1 May 08
I think people are frightened of what these gangs will do to them,look at poor Gary Newlove,you just don't know what they are capable of,they carry knives and other weapons.There is nothing to deter these animals from doing this,they treat detention centres or prison like a trophy.Boot camps would probably be to tame for some of these louts and the government wonder why people turn vigilante!!
I think people are frightened of what these gangs will do to them,look at poor Gary Newlove,you just don't know what they are capable of,they carry knives and other weapons.There is nothing to deter these animals from doing this,they treat detention centres or prison like a trophy.Boot camps would probably be to tame for some of these louts and the government wonder why people turn vigilante!!
Posted by: Tram Traveller, Timps on 10:15am Thu 1 May 08
On the contary. I was asked for my ticket three times in ten minutes. They seem to direct attention to the good and well behaved.
There seems to be a lack of confrontation and a lack of tough policing. But then again as people have said, they are scum
On the contary. I was asked for my ticket three times in ten minutes. They seem to direct attention to the good and well behaved.
There seems to be a lack of confrontation and a lack of tough policing. But then again as people have said, they are scum
Posted by: Kevin, Sale on 9:14pm Thu 1 May 08
[quote][bold]Chris[/bold] wrote:
I am convinced the lack of ticket enforcement on the Metrolink is a cause of many of its (and indeed Altrincham's) problems. These yobs can get a 'free' ride into town with little chance of being stopped. What is needed is a permanent manned presence at Altrincham Interchange with ticket barriers. [/quote] The Altrincham line and the Bury line used to be all manned - until GMPTA snatched two successful train lines in order to create a status symbol, rather than actually improve transport by reopening closed lines, as was done in Newcastle on Tyne.
Chris wrote:
I am convinced the lack of ticket enforcement on the Metrolink is a cause of many of its (and indeed Altrincham's) problems. These yobs can get a 'free' ride into town with little chance of being stopped. What is needed is a permanent manned presence at Altrincham Interchange with ticket barriers.
The Altrincham line and the Bury line used to be all manned - until GMPTA snatched two successful train lines in order to create a status symbol, rather than actually improve transport by reopening closed lines, as was done in Newcastle on Tyne.
Posted by: Jan, Sale on 4:36pm Fri 2 May 08
Incidents on the Metrolink have gone on like this for some time, will they only do something when there is a death, they obviously only care about profit
Incidents on the Metrolink have gone on like this for some time, will they only do something when there is a death, they obviously only care about profit
Posted by: Alan, Altrincham on 4:53pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]Jan[/bold] wrote:
Incidents on the Metrolink have gone on like this for some time, will they only do something when there is a death, they obviously only care about profit[/quote] I would like to think Jan is correct but I am cynical enough to believe that after the blanket police presence following a murder things would quickly return to normal.
I would seriously consider carrying a firearm if I had to ride the trams. I would prefer to face a jury of my peers than to be kicked or stabbed to death by scum.
Jan wrote:
Incidents on the Metrolink have gone on like this for some time, will they only do something when there is a death, they obviously only care about profit
I would like to think Jan is correct but I am cynical enough to believe that after the blanket police presence following a murder things would quickly return to normal.
I would seriously consider carrying a firearm if I had to ride the trams. I would prefer to face a jury of my peers than to be kicked or stabbed to death by scum.
Posted by: Jonny Cav, China (ex- West Timperley) on 6:18am Sat 3 May 08
And the Councillor just sat back and watched this? Words fail me!
And the Councillor just sat back and watched this? Words fail me!
Posted by: Mark on 4:11pm Sun 4 May 08
[quote][bold]60schild[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Chris[/bold] wrote:
I am convinced the lack of ticket enforcement on the Metrolink is a cause of many of its (and indeed Altrincham's) problems. These yobs can get a 'free' ride into town with little chance of being stopped. What is needed is a permanent manned presence at Altrincham Interchange with ticket barriers. [/quote] Unfortunately greedy tram operators won't go for this sensible solution. Its the same with the buses one man operation was the death knell in passenger safety. Just like the tram drivers they can do very little to stop the rowdy feral behaviour of these youths.[/quote] It works in London and many other cities across the world.
It deeply saddens me but I also do believe that it is going to take a death for GMPTE to open their eyes. If Julie wasn't an ex-police officer trained in judo, she might have been that one who ended up dead. Either that or such an incident has to happen to a family member of a GMPTE executive. What a regrettable and dispiriting thought.
Shame on those who are the ones making decisions at GMPTE.
60schild wrote:
Chris wrote:
I am convinced the lack of ticket enforcement on the Metrolink is a cause of many of its (and indeed Altrincham's) problems. These yobs can get a 'free' ride into town with little chance of being stopped. What is needed is a permanent manned presence at Altrincham Interchange with ticket barriers.
Unfortunately greedy tram operators won't go for this sensible solution. Its the same with the buses one man operation was the death knell in passenger safety. Just like the tram drivers they can do very little to stop the rowdy feral behaviour of these youths.
It works in London and many other cities across the world.
It deeply saddens me but I also do believe that it is going to take a death for GMPTE to open their eyes. If Julie wasn't an ex-police officer trained in judo, she might have been that one who ended up dead. Either that or such an incident has to happen to a family member of a GMPTE executive. What a regrettable and dispiriting thought.
Shame on those who are the ones making decisions at GMPTE.
Posted by: James, Sale on 6:46pm Sun 4 May 08
Cllr John Lamb, who was travelling on the tram at the time, has written to Trafford's Chief Superintendent, Janette McCormick, expressing his disgust. He wrote: "I have witnessed many acts of anti-social behaviour but I have to say what I witnessed on Friday evening was appalling, shocking and totally unacceptable.
Can I ask why councillor lamb or anyone else on the tram went to help her?????
If I was on the tram and didnt do anything I wouldnt be able to sleep.
Even if you got a kicking yourself, you would have felt better about helping someone who was in desperate need of assistance.
Typical councillor... all talk and no help where and when its needed.. And this councillor is a man?
I would be ashamed of myself.
wishing you a speedy recovery Julie pickfor.
Cllr John Lamb, who was travelling on the tram at the time, has written to Trafford's Chief Superintendent, Janette McCormick, expressing his disgust. He wrote: "I have witnessed many acts of anti-social behaviour but I have to say what I witnessed on Friday evening was appalling, shocking and totally unacceptable.
Can I ask why councillor lamb or anyone else on the tram went to help her?????
If I was on the tram and didnt do anything I wouldnt be able to sleep.
Even if you got a kicking yourself, you would have felt better about helping someone who was in desperate need of assistance.
Typical councillor... all talk and no help where and when its needed.. And this councillor is a man?
I would be ashamed of myself.
wishing you a speedy recovery Julie pickfor.
Posted by: angus, sale on 12:09pm Tue 6 May 08
Yet another reason to have a conductor on each tram as well as a driver.
Having a conductor/ ticket person on each tram would mean less fare dogging so prices could be brought down.
Would mean that there are two people on each tram, plus the station inspectors and police as back up.
How hard is it to find a fine large groups youths for fare dogging. What do they have cctv for. They are on a tram not exactly hard to corner them. See what sending tram fines home every week does.
Is there no record of these people getting on and off the tram and footage of them on the tram committing the act. If metro link are not recording this information why not.
Why not ban antisocial people from the tram with large fines if they are caught again.
Yet another reason to have a conductor on each tram as well as a driver.
Having a conductor/ ticket person on each tram would mean less fare dogging so prices could be brought down.
Would mean that there are two people on each tram, plus the station inspectors and police as back up.
How hard is it to find a fine large groups youths for fare dogging. What do they have cctv for. They are on a tram not exactly hard to corner them. See what sending tram fines home every week does.
Is there no record of these people getting on and off the tram and footage of them on the tram committing the act. If metro link are not recording this information why not.
Why not ban antisocial people from the tram with large fines if they are caught again.
Posted by: angus on 12:12pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Morris Minor[/bold] wrote:
Police on the trams. The answer.
[/quote] police on trams is not the answer. As it is a private network Stagecoach should be providing security on the trams not the tax payer
Morris Minor wrote:
Police on the trams. The answer.
police on trams is not the answer. As it is a private network Stagecoach should be providing security on the trams not the tax payer
Posted by: bally, urmston on 4:59pm Thu 8 May 08
3rd story in 3 months of this nature. my mates dad got battered leaving the tram, of baying kids.
Bally up, and give these vermin the only thing, they'll ever listen too... A **** good hiding
3rd story in 3 months of this nature. my mates dad got battered leaving the tram, of baying kids.
Bally up, and give these vermin the only thing, they'll ever listen too... A **** good hiding
Posted by: waldo, Sale on 10:55am Fri 9 May 08
So the reason the children get away with this kind of hideous assault is that there are no police on the trams. Come on everyone, if we don't stand up against this kind of behaviour what does that make us? Garry Newlove did the right thing. Julie Pickford did the right thing. Extra police and security are not enough on their own. Take some personal responsibility. Report incidents and intervene.
So the reason the children get away with this kind of hideous assault is that there are no police on the trams. Come on everyone, if we don't stand up against this kind of behaviour what does that make us? Garry Newlove did the right thing. Julie Pickford did the right thing. Extra police and security are not enough on their own. Take some personal responsibility. Report incidents and intervene.
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
