Security - Wild parking

[jack]

I'm very, very saddened to hear on our local TV and Radio about the unfortunate husband & wife who were viciously attacked in their camper at 4 a.m. yesterday morning (Monday 11 June) when they were parked in a lay-by on the Dublin/Belfast road and had their vehicle hi-jacked and burned.
Ireland welcomes its visitors but unfortunately like all countries has its share of evil criminals who sully the name of decent people.

On behalf of the camping fraternity in Ireland I would want to express our sympathy and prayers for a full recovery to the lady and gentleman to whom this happened. If anyone on this forum knows them, perhaps they would pass on this message.

[viv]

Hi Jack
This was a truly horrific attack on two innocent people who were just enjoying themselves. I agree that most people are not like this. I really don't think these people will ever really get over it emotionally but I do hope I am wrong.

I hope the criminals get a realistic sentence.

Yet another freedom being eroded by criminals.

We were burgled one night when we were all in bed and the affect was devastating for a time and 20 years on I still am wary at night and obsessively check the doors are locked when I go to bed. We were not even physically hurt but it was very upsetting.

[Pauline]

That's awful Jack, that's the first time I've heard of a confirmed attack, I've often wondered if they were just urban myths - obviously not

[hidehi]

hi ANY NEWS ON THESE POOR PEAPLE, I ALSO PRAY THEY ARE OF AND WILL NOT LET THESE CRIMS STOP THEM DOING WHAT WE ALL LOVE, THAT IS SEEING GOD'S CREATION AND BEUTY AS WE TRAVEL.

[jack]

I copied this from the local BBC website. I have blanked out their names in case they wouldn't want their names published on this forum.

=====================================================================
Last Updated: Monday, 9 July 2007, 21:12 GMT 22:12 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Axe attack couple tell of ordeal
country road
The camper van was stolen close to the border
A married couple who were subjected to a vicious hatchet and machete attack have been speaking about their ordeal.

English couple ---(names blanked out by jack)--------- were attacked as they slept in their camper van on the first night of their holiday in County Louth in June.

Back home in Skegness the couple, both in their 60s, told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra they felt lucky to be alive.

During the attack, Mrs ------------'s skull was fractured and her ribs were broken.

Their van was later found on fire across the border near Meigh.


When the door was broken in, I honestly thought it was curtains for us,
Kath -------------

Despite their ordeal, they said they are determined to return to Ireland to thank the people who helped them.

Jo---------------e said: "Any human being doing a thing like that, they're savages really."

He said the attack would not put them off returning to Ireland.

"The time we were in Ireland, especially in Our Lady of Lourdes and St James' Hospital, we could not have got better service anywhere in the world."

Mrs ------------e said she had been touched by the kindness shown to her by Irish people after the attack.

"I was completely overwhelmed by the number of cards and letters and flowers we received. I've never seen so many flowers in my life."

She said she gets flashbacks about the attack, has bouts of dizziness and has difficulty sleeping.

"But we are alive, that's the main thing. When the door was broken in, I honestly thought it was curtains for us," she said.

"I didn't think we would see the children again."

Two men have been in court in connection with the attack on the couple.

They face charges of hijacking, aggravated burglary and stealing cash and belongings while armed with a hatchet and a machete.

[yamaha]

Thanks for that little snippet, Jack - I'm sure we'll all sleep happier now.

[Graham]

I know these things are probably very rare and a lot of people do wild camp safely but for the sake of a few quid I think I will stick with camp sites and have a good nights sleep, rather than waking up every time a twig snapped in the night.

Graham

[yamaha]

PAULINE - He's slacking again !!

Mike

[Graham]

yamaha said:

PAULINE - He's slacking again !!

Yamaha, you little snitch!! ;D

[Derek]

We never wild camp, no EHU , apart from that we wouldn't sleep a wink

The only time we have wild camped was when we used to pitch our Igloo tent on the green at Dieppe when we had just come off the evening boat from Newhaven on our way to Spain. We pitched in the dark and were away at daybreak for the marathon drive to the south. Never had any trouble but wouldn't do it now, we were young and foolish then

Down 'ere in Sussex wild camping is very much disapproved of, height bars and or squeeze bollards are common in carparks. Thats why we have the Hylo, we seldom come across height bars when we are away in the South West.

Derek

[hidehi]

oh so glad these peaple ar home safe

[aileen]

Horrible to hear this. We have wildcamped on a few occasions, but are very careful about where, but you never know. Never mind safety, if you are not on a campsite you are legally in charge of your vehicle, and I would miss my glass of red wine!
If you google wild camping and motorhomes, there is a website dedicated to it where people put on sites they have used. Perhaps following this can make it safer?

[Derek]

I just found the Mail article, I am glad to see they are recovering from their physical injuries.

www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=467595&in_page_id=1770

Derek

[jayjay]

Derek, I went and read the report... Makes you think twice about wild camping anywhere. I'm in full agreement with Graham, worth a few quid more to be safe on a site and not have to worry about every twig snapping.

I hope those poor ppl have got over this now and are feeling better.

[jack]

Copy from local newspaper


Pair who attacked English holiday couple sent to jail
By Staff Reporter
29/11/08

TWO men who attacked an English couple with a machete while they were on holiday in Ireland were jailed yesterday for a total of 16 and a half years.

[barry5933]

Do you know if that was 16 & half years each, or 16 & half years between them.

Eight years each, less parole for being good boys could see them out on the streets sooner than any of us would wish.

What was their motive, robbery, vandalism or just plain moronic stupidity?



"The more I see of humanity, the more I love my bicycle"
- I forget who first said that, but I am coming to agree with it more each year.

[jack]

I'm not sure but probably 16 1/2 years between them.

I think it was robbery.

I can fully agree with your last sentiment.