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SICKENING ... John Moger couldn’t defend himself when he was ambushed by a gang of 20 youths
SICKENING ... John Moger couldn’t defend himself when he was ambushed by a gang of 20 youths
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Attack could leave my arm paralysed

Helen Johnson
17/ 5/2008

A LITTLEBOROUGH man fears he might never regain the full use of an arm after being attacked by a gang of 20 youths.

John Moger sustained a shattered and dislocated shoulder, broken knee cap and bruising all over his body after being kicked to the ground.

The 59-year-old had been to post sorting office in Ainsworth Street when he was approached by the mob, who started throwing water bombs at him and his friend.

He asked them to stop, but the gang continued and when he tried to get back in his car one of them ran up behind him and kicked him to the ground.

While he lay on the ground, in too much pain to move, another of the thugs and stole his mobile phone from inside the car.

The gang only ran off when a passing driver stopped and called the police.

Mr Moger, who underwent major colon surgery earlier this year, is still in Rochdale Infirmary more than two weeks after the attack.

When he finally is allowed to leave hospital, he might have to leave his home in Shore to live with his elderly mother in Cheshire, because, without the use of his arms, he is unable to change his colostomy bag on his own.

He also doubts he will be able to return to his job with a firm that supplies hearses to funeral directors.

Mr Moger said: "All I can think is: why me? How could they do something like this and why did it take 20 of then against just one?

"There was no way I could have fought back.

"I only left intensive care at the Infirmary a few months ago.

"I’d been very down anyway, and then this happens.

"Just one fall has completely changed everything."

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "This was a very nasty attack in which a group of young men bullied and attacked an innocent member of the public.

"There is no excuse for such behaviour and inquiries are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.

"We would appeal to anyone who has information about what happened to do the right thing and come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(6)


Most recent 2 of 6 user comments

   I don't know what to say, i am so shocked. This poor man attacked by a gang of 20 will suffer for the rest of his life due to the evil of these people. I suppose they will just get a slap on the wrist and told not to do it again. I will be very surprised if any of the gang will be sentenced for this crime. People like these who target people for fun or out of bordom should be sent to Burma or China for community service. This will enable them to value the life they have here and treat people with respect.
Spychick, Rochdale
22/05/2008 at 10:33
   I had a situation a couple of weeks back when while I was walking home there were a group of 4 youths (3 lads & 1 Girl) and ond of the lads tried unsucessfully to hit me with a couple of water bombs, ok it was in a different place BUT I just walked on and did my best to ignore them as I knew if I had reacted I they could have tried to attack me and if I had won or lost could have faced being arrested and getting a record. For me luckily ignoring them worked they do say the wise man walks with his head bowed. I am 32 years of age have been in the armed forces and am into mixed martial arts and would be willing to go toe to toe with anyone even if I had to take a beating. But sometimes you have to be smart and avoid trouble, especially with the liberal justice system we have these days.
Milnrow Man
21/05/2008 at 08:57
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