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Shocking image to be sent to Leeds revellers' phones
A shocking image of a West Yorkshire man whose life was changed forever by a pub punch will be used as a stark warning about the true cost of drunken violence.
The picture of 47-year-old Chris Johnson, who suffered devastating injuries after being punched at a pub earlier this year, will be sent directly to the mobile phones of those enjoying a festive night out.
Mr Johnson's family and West Yorkshire Police are hoping the picture will make drinkers think twice before resorting to violence this Christmas.
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Mr Johnson, from the Netherton area of Wakefield, was out with friends in The Carpenter's Arms, Ossett, in March this year.
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An argument broke out and he was punched, falling and hitting his head on the kerb.
That one punch changed his life forever – leaving him unconscious for a month and needing a six-week stay in hospital.
He has suffered neurological damage, is deaf in his right ear and has lost his sense of smell.
Mr Johnson is still undergoing rehabilitation.
His wife Carol told the YEP: "Just one punch turned our world upside down and things will never be the same again.
"Chris went for a night out with friends and we never expected this to be the outcome.
"The injuries Chris has suffered have affected him as a person and we have had to adapt our lives to meet challenges in his recovery, but it's been hard.
She added: "I hope that the photo released will make people be more aware of what can happen when an argument breaks out. Nights out are meant to be fun and shouldn't end in misery."
Officers are using Bluetooth technology to send the picture of Mr Johnson to people's mobiles.
A man was found not guilty of assault by a jury at Leeds Crown Court on October 16 in relation to the incident.
Detective Chief Superintendent Max McLean of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team said: "One punch can change lives. It changes the life of the victim and also the perpetrator as well as their family and friends.
"During this festive period we want people to be able to enjoy a night out and be safe at the same time.
"The image released is a shocking demonstration of what injuries one punch can cause."
And he issued a stark warning to those who might use their first to settle a drunken row this Christmas.
He said: "West Yorkshire Police have dedicated teams of detectives who utilise all available investigative tools including CCTV, DNA evidence and eye witness accounts in order to bring people to justice.
"Be aware of your surroundings and think before raising your fists, it is not the answer, resist getting involved in a moment of madness."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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