On the defensive

Friday 12th January 2007, 12:00AM GMT.

DRUNKEN violence on Jersey’s streets has resulted in a record number of Islanders seeking self-defence classes.

More than 30 people have been in touch with martial arts expert Roy MacDonald this January, compared to just five last January. He says more and more people are refusing to go out at night for fear of being attacked and that for the first time this includes men as well as women. He said his phone has not stopped ringing since the turn of the year. Those who have been in touch include a man who was glassed in the face in a nightclub, a father and son who were beaten up by a gang of youths at Snow Hill. Also interested was a woman who had her handbag snatched, taxi drivers who have been threatened in their cars and a mother who fears for her children’s safety.

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