`Happy slapping' attacks leave UK officials stung

[dArKeR]

In one video clip, labeled Bitch Slap, a youth approaches a woman at a bus stop and punches her in the face. In another, Knockout Punch, a group of boys wearing uniforms are shown leading another boy across an unidentified school playground before flooring him with a single blow to the head.

In a third, Bank Job, a teenager is seen assaulting a hole-in-the-wall customer while another youth grabs the money he has just withdrawn from the cash machine.

Welcome to the disturbing world of the "happy slappers" -- a youth craze in which groups of teenagers armed with camera phones slap or mug unsuspecting children or passersby while capturing the attacks on 3G technology.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/04/29/2003252425

Sounds like the US and the UK go hand in hand in more than just butchering Iraq! Children follow the lead of our leaders! Makes sense!

[NYC]

1. That's a terrible thing.

...a nationwide phenomenon...

...In London, British Transport police have investigated 200 happy slapping incidents in the past six months, with eight people charged with attacks at south London stations and bus stops in January alone...

They don't mention the age of the children doing this.

[dArKeR]

2. It would be nice if reporters were thorough. Isn't it amazing where

just about every story on every subject has so many critical facts left out!

[bemildred]

3. "Clockwork Orange". nt

[elehhhhna]

4. Too many concealed weapons here in the us for THAT to catch on.

[dArKeR]

5. What? It started in America. I've been reading about this for a few years.

A few months ago they finally caught a gang of them in LV. Was that a joke you posted? Sorry if it was.

With their video camera rolling, five teenagers beat, kicked and laughed at a special education student as he waited at a bus stop, police said. Then, they said, the attackers "laughed hysterically" as they sped away. The planning and carrying out of the Dec. 19 assault -- all captured on a 30-minute videotape -- led to the arrest of five Anderson High School students this week. With bail set at $15,000 each, they remained in jail late Wednesday on charges of assault and engaging in organized criminal activity. "This is horrific," said Susan Eason, executive director of Arc of the Capital Area, which provides services to people with disabilities. "It just makes me sick to my stomach."

http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-03/AS1-16-03.html

I'm busy today. Just did a quick google and this came up. I've been reading many of these stories for years now. I guess they're not important when you have the butchering in Iraq.