Paul Whatuira's victim speaks out after injuries from attack fail to heal

Apr 17 2010 by Nick Lavigueur, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FOR six months he has suffered in silence following the attack by Huddersfield Giants’ star Paul Whatuira.

But after being rebuffed by the Galpharm-based club and having had no personal apology, Almondbury man Robert Campbell has reluctantly spoken about the unprovoked attack that he says has ruined his life.

Mr Campbell was left lying unconscious in a pool of his own blood with his front teeth knocked out after he was set upon by Whatuira last year.

The father-of-two had been walking from his car to start his 6am shift at TWL Engineering on St Thomas’ Road, Folly Hall, when the Giant’s star sprinted towards him, shouting obscenities.

The player, known as Fatz, had just left a mental health unit at St Luke’s Hospital, Crosland Moor, and had already assaulted another passerby that dark October morning.

Reliving the attack, 43-year-old Mr Campbell, who is tall but slightly built, said: “I saw him screaming and shouting.

“He was quite far away, running down waving his arms about.

“I just thought I’d keep my head down, not make eye contact and get into work and start my day.

“I didn’t speak to him, didn’t do anything, didn’t even eyeball him.

“I was just 20ft away from the front door and I thought I’d just get in.

“He ran alongside me and before I knew it he just laid into me.

“He hit me twice around the side of the head before I realised what had happened. The next one must have knocked me straight out.

“I woke up on the floor in my own blood with my teeth on the floor.”

The 28-year-old New Zealand-born rugby player later revealed his breakdown was sparked by memories of abuse he suffered as a child and the crisis had pushed him to the brink of suicide.

Mr Campbell, who worked as a toolmaker, suffered lacerations to his mouth and lips, severe damage to his teeth and was badly bruised.

Since the attack he has suffered with headaches, has had trouble sleeping and has quit his job.

“I had the perfect work record up to then,’’ he said. “But after the incident I was pulled up for lateness and I decided I didn’t want to work there anymore. I wanted a day job.”

“He has not personally come and apologised to me.