136 injured by pub glass attacks
New figures have revealed police in Northampton were called to deal with 136 violent town centre "glassing" attacks in the past three years.
The statistics have prompted a renewed call for pubs and clubs in the town's lesiure zone to ban traditional glasses and switch to polycarbonate alternatives as part of a drive to reduce injuries and improve safety among revellers.
Judge Richard Bray yesterday revealed each glass attack had cost the NHS and taxpayers 100,000 when police, medical and legal costs were taken into account.
He said: "Publicans and managers should not wait for further injuries to occur and should put the safety of their customers before profits."
Since 2004, 41 glass attacks and 95 bottle attacks have happened in Northampton and campaigners say serious injuries could have been avoided had polycarbonates or plastic glasses been used.
Judge Bray's comments came as a mother was acquitted of wounding with intent after causing permanent scarring to another woman's face.
Malika Maghraoui, 24, admitted smashing a glass into a 22-year-old's face, just missing an eye, but was unanimously acquitted by a jury at Northampton Crown Court, who accepted she had acted in self-defence.
It happened at The Corner Flag pub in Rushden, which has since converted to the less-dangerous glasses.
Polycarbonate glasses do not shatter, reducing the risk of injuries, and the Go Polycarbonate campaign wants to introduce them to all county pubs and clubs with post-11pm weekend licences.
The scheme is backed by the Chronicle & Echo, Northamptonshire Police, Pubwatch, medical professionals, licensees and Judge Richard Bray.
He said: "The serious injury inflicted here could have well been avoided had polycarbonate glasses been provided.
"Publicans and managers should not wait for further injuries to occur and put the safety of their customers before profits."
His comments were echoed by Sgt Mark Worthington, who said: "The six biggest premises in Northampton are now polycarbonate venues and we have closed down two premises, under the new licensing act, in a concerted effort to reduce alcohol-related violence in the town.
"We are happy with the take up so far but obviously more has to be done for premises to convert to polycarbonate glasses.
"However, the licensed trade are being very positive and hopefully we can encourage more to convert in time."
rob.middleton@northantsnews.co.uk
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