FAIR worker 'feared for family's life' after attack
A WORKER for victims' group FAIR has told how he "feared for his life" and that of his young family, after vandals surrounded his home in the dead of night and attacked his car.
The man, who was too frightened to be named, was at home with his three young children in the Markethill area at around 11pm on Thursday night when his electricity was cut and his home plunged into darkness.
The member of FAIR staff told the News Letter he heard the muffled voices of several men as they surrounded his family's isolated country home in the darkness.
Speaking of his ordeal he said: "I just had to wait in the dark, and I couldn't leave the house because of the kids.
"Our dogs were barking at whoever was out there, but it was pitch black and I couldn't see a thing.
"I honestly thought we were going to be burnt out; I was in fear for my life and that of my children."
The man was unable to call for help from his home phone because of the lack of electricity, and was initially unable to get reception on his mobile.
After he was eventually able to contact police, his wife returned home from a night out.
"I had to call out to her to stay in her car and keep away from the house. I just didn't know how many people were still out there and if she would be walking into the middle of something," he said.
Once police arrived at the scene, they found that the vandals had smashed the electric box for the home.
It was only some time later that the damage to the family's vehicle was discovered.
The vandals had slashed all four tyres, smashed the front windscreen and boot window with a rock, and kicked and scratched car panels.
Etched into the bonnet of the vehicle was "IRA" and in larger letters "FAIR?"
The victim told the News Letter: "I have no doubt in my mind that this was republicans trying to get a dig at FAIR. They were sending a message to Willie Frazer through the attack on me and my family.
"I have only ever tried to help people in the community and am saddened that bigots have targeted a member of FAIR staff."
The family have now left their home and are considering moving out of the area for good.
The man said he and his family are very worried about their future safety following the attack: "We are concerned about future attacks, and it's possible that relocation might have to be an option for us now. My wife hasn't slept since it happened," he said.
Speaking to the News Letter, FAIR leader Willie Frazer labelled the attack on his staff member "a disgrace".
He said: "This is just another typical intimidatory tactic by republicans. When they can't get to me they target other people in the group."
The attack comes after Mr Frazer attempted to serve a High Court writ for damages at the south Armagh farm of leading republican Thomas 'Slab' Murphy.
Mr Frazer added: "This will not deter us from what we're doing. We will continue to work with and for victims. Republicans will have to learn these tactics are no longer acceptable."
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Monday 28 May 2012
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