WARRINGTON’S Hate Crime ambassador and disability campaigner Adrian Derbyshire is urging other victims to speak out.
The former paralympian and international sword fencer was recently invited to talk at a Hate Crime Conference at the Cheshire Police HQ in Winsford when emotional testimonials were read out from victims.
Others on the panel included Cheshire Police commissioner John Dwyer, Assistant Chief Commissioner Ruth Purdie and Lead Crown Prosecutor Bernard Byrne (pictured above).
Adrian, who was a victim of crime when burglars raided his home stealing £30,000 worth of specialist sporting equipment, bringing his international career to a premature end, said: “I think if people like me, who have been a victim can tell their story, it might encourage other people to come forward and report crime.”
Adrian added: “It was very encouraging to hear the police saying that they haven’t got it right in the past but were utilising every source they could to stamp out stigma and to stop hate.
“The event delivered the message that Hate Crime is under reported and encouraged victims to have the courage to speak up.
“Being a victim of crime can be a traumatic experience and not everybody has the courage to report crime committed against them.”
Following the event Adrian was asked to feature in a video urging others to come forward.
Meanwhile Adrian also visited the Ladies Luncheon Club at The Centre For Independent Living based at Warrington Disability Partnership’s HQ (pictured below) to talk about disability, sports and reporting Hate Crime Incidents regarding Disability and the Elderly.
Adrian added: “A great time was had by all and after my talk the ladies had the opportunity to hold the Olympic Torch & Paralympic Lantern that I carried.”
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Hate Crime campaigner urges victims to speak out
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
