By Conor Sharkey
THE officer heading the investigation into a video showing a young Strabane man being brutalised said this week he was "concerned greatly" that those responsible were reportedly dealt with outside official police channels.
Last week, the Strabane Chronicle revealed the existence of the sickening film, which shows an 18-year-old man being kicked, slapped and sexually assaulted.
In the two-minute clip, up to ten young people, all of whom appear to be highly intoxicated, can be heard goading on the ring leader of the horrendous attack. None of the group appear to intervene as a bottle is kicked into the young man's anal passage.
The main player in the assault can clearly been seen and heard in the film, which had been posted on video sharing website Youtube.
Speaking to this paper last Tuesday, the victim's father described those behind the attack on his son as "filth and scum" and "no better than paedophiles".
Since the video surfaced, the Chronicle understands that several of those involved have been dealt with by way of curfew and an alcohol ban.
Because of the depraved nature of the video content, this paper took the decision last week to present the evidence to the PSNI.
So far, no one has been arrested in relation to the incident. However police have confirmed that they are following a definite line of enquiry.
And while it appears that arrests could be pending, PSNI Area Commander for Strabane, Chief Inspector Phil Marks said he is very concerned at the suggestion that the culprits appear to have been dealt with outside of official police channels.
"It is the responsibility of the community to support the police in tackling all forms of crime. It is unacceptable for members of the public to take the law into their own hands. Those who do so may themselves commit offences and be liable for prosecution. Vigilante action will not be tolerated in any form.
"Policing must be left to us and we will provide a professional and accountable service," he said.
Meanwhile, the attack which has provoked much public outcry, has been strongly condemned by Strabane District Council member Eugene McMenamin.
He said that those responsible deserved to feel the full weight of the law.
"The first I became aware of this video was via the press and I can honestly say it is one of the most serious and upsetting stories I have read in many years.
"What happened this young man was totally immoral and I would like to think those responsible are made to face the full rigours of the law. Too often, people get away with attacks like this and I hope that when those involved in this case come before the courts, the Magistrate takes a very dim view of their behaviour," he said.
