In the case of Peter Shearer, he’s waited six years. Six long years of fear, pain and lost opportunity. All the while, the people who attacked him have walked free.

However, a basic premise of our justice system is people should be considered innocent until proven guilty. And when the police finally arrest someone over the brutal attack, I’ll extend them the same courtesy. Being arrested doesn’t mean you’re guilty, it just means the cops have a reason to suspect you are.

Someone attacked Peter Shearer. You can fake many injuries and illnesses but it’s tough to kick yourself half to death. 

Violent crimes are something we as a society need to confront and oppose at every level. There is never a reason to physically assault someone outside of a professional sporting arena. If you’re someone who thinks violence in our day to day life is acceptable, ask yourself if that’s the kind of world you want your children to live in.

Someone out there knows who did this to Peter Shearer. Maybe someone reading this editorial right now. If so, please call the police on 6969 4299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Because if you know and stay silent, you are silently supporting this kind of act.

-STEPHEN MUDD