Bashing victim’s dad wants expanded one-punch laws

By Russell Varley

The father of a man who suffered severe brain damage after he was punched and fell to the ground on the Gold Coast almost five years ago says one-punch laws should be expanded.Sam Ford suffered the injury after the incident at Coolangatta in 2009.

The Queensland Government is considering a maximum penalty of life in prison for unlawful striking causing death under its new Safe Night Out Strategy.

Mike Ford says attempted murder charges should also be considered in cases where the victim survives.

“I still don’t understand why it’s if you can use a knife or a gun it’s murder or attempted murder but if you use your fists it’s a fight,” he said.

Mr Ford says his son requires intensive care.

“Sam’s been working for nearly five years now on a long road to recovery,” he said.

“He’s got severe brain damage, cannot walk, cannot talk, the punishment for that crime was two years’ jail.

“Does someone have to die to get life and why isn’t it attempted murder?”

Mr Ford says he will consider making a submission to the Government.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-25/bashing-victims-dad-wants-one-punch-laws-expanded/5343538?&section=news

The issue should be the crime, not the tool. I sympathize with the father, and this story proves that just because someone is unarmed doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a weapon. Fists are weapons when you know how to use them.