What sort of impression does it give to the youngster’s watching a game of football when a footballing hero of some Everton fans, salutes his thug of a brother!
On Sunday Tim Cahill was seen giving a celebratory gesture after scoring a goal. He was seen putting his hands together as if in handcuffs and he explained after the game that it was a gesture of support for his brother who is serving a jail sentence.
His brother, Sean Cahill, 29 years old, viciously attacked Christopher Stapley after he had been out drinking with friends when he was caught on CCTV in Bromley, London punching several of Mr Stapley’s friends and then kicking Mr Stapley.
Mr Stapley, 31 years old, lost the sight in one eye when the thug kicked him twice in the face as he lay on the pavement after an unprovoked attack, an attack which shattered the lives of the victim and his family.
Christopher, a quantity surveyor has been through a long and painful but unsuccessful course of treatment and now is faced with the fear that complications could leave him totally blind at any time and on top of that he has had to wait three years for the scum to be brought to justice as he jumped bail and went to Australia.
Finally, last November he was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and jailed for six years while Mr Stapley has been suffering from depression and has moved to America to try and rebuild his life.
Detective Constable, Will Hope of the Metropolitan Police said “As a sport’s star in the public eye, Tim Cahill’s actions are grossly irresponsible. Celebrating his goal in such a way seemingly endorses the actions of his brother. What sort of message does it send to the impressionable younger generation.”
Sean Cahill was arrested quickly after this unprovoked attack but jumped bail and fled to Sydney! Why did he still have his passport? Anyone arrested of such crimes should immediately in my opinion have their passport removed until after the trial.
Even though his victim’s hair, blood and flesh had been found on his shoe as well as the evidence seen on CCTV, Cahill brazenly denied his guilt to the end. Anyone that denies having involvement when it is proven beyond any doubt should at the very least have their sentence doubled.
Mr Stapley’s mother said “We just want to move on. Chris doesn’t know about what happened on the football field and I don’t want him to”. Unfortunately he probably will by now as there is International outrage over the gesture by the footballer live on television.
Sean Cahill should have got a much longer sentence, he jumped bail, left the country and denied the assault as well as enjoying himself for three years in Australia, hopefully he will be remembered for this brutal attack inflicted on this innocent victim for a long time and will one day pay the price.
Tim Cahill, your brother is nothing but a thug, you should be ashamed of yourself and of him. Drink blamed as an excuse once again!
2 comments so far
1 John // Mar 4, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Cahill’s actions were disgraceful, and he has lost any respect that he had.
2 michael // Mar 4, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Time and time again we fail to recognise the devastating effect crime has on peoples’ lives.
A short stint in prison for this cowardly thug pales into insignificance the misery and anguish which Mr Stapley is still suffering.
Tim Cahill doesn’t deserve to wear a premiership shirt. He should be sacked.