A Buddhist monk was allegedly attacked by a balaclava-clad youth on an electric bike in a UK park, leaving him with a cut lip and damaged glasses.
Karucha Sripramote, known in Newcastle as Monk Kom, said he was walking through Hebburn Riverside Park when he was "repeatedly harassed" by a lad on an electric bike. After a shouting match, the thug flicked dirt on the monk and attacked him with punches.
Attack details
Karucha, 34, recalled the incident: "He began by sounding a horn behind me and shouting. I was aware of him, but could not hear clearly due to my earphones, so I simply moved aside to avoid his path.
"He then rode in front of me to block my way and continued shouting. I pointed to my earphones and waved my hand to indicate that I had no wish to engage."
He added: "He then rode closer, turned his bike, and deliberately spun his rear wheel to throw grass and dirt over me. I tried to walk away, but he followed and repeated the action.
"Seeing that he would not leave me alone, I approached him to ask him to stop, but grew concerned he might ride directly at me. I held onto his sleeve to keep distance and reason with him safely, at which point he began punching me repeatedly in the face."
Second attacker and injuries
Karucha, who suspects he may have been targeted because he was wearing his orange monastic robes, said he was struck "multiple times in quick succession" and received "a rapid flurry of strikes" to his face before the lad's mate emerged from elsewhere in the park and booted him with "full force", knocking him to the ground. He reckons the lads were between 12 and 15 years old.
His glasses were damaged during the assault and he suffered a cut to his lip. He hopes that by sharing his ordeal, it will stop anyone else from becoming a target.
Community response
Karucha said: "Groups of youths wearing balaclavas frequently ride e-bikes dangerously close to pedestrians in this area to intimidate them. It has happened to me before, but this was the first time it escalated to physical violence. My only hope in speaking out is to prevent someone else from getting badly hurt."
He added: "Initially, I intended to let it pass and carry on quietly with my life. However, I realised that staying silent might leave other members of the public, especially elderly residents and families, vulnerable to escalating behaviour."
Since speaking out about his ordeal, which occurred at around 3.30pm on Tuesday, Karucha has been "deeply touched" by the "overwhelmingly kind and supportive" response from the community. He revealed he has received numerous kind messages and even flowers from locals.
Thank you to Hebburn
In an update and heartfelt thank you to the Hebburn community, he posted on the Dhammakaya Meditation Centre of Newcastle Facebook page.
Karucha wrote: "Following my initial post regarding the incident at Hebburn Riverside Park, I thought the matter would quietly pass. Instead, I have been deeply touched by the outpouring of support, warm messages, and today, a beautiful arrangement of flowers delivered to our centre by a kind resident on behalf of the Hebburn community.
"I am writing this to express my sincere gratitude to everyone and to share a brief update:
"Our Community: I have lived in Hebburn for over six and a half years; I know first-hand how kind, welcoming, and peaceful this town is. This single incident does not change how much I value and appreciate living here.
"Reflections on the Incident: As a Buddhist monk, I contemplate life through understanding, patience, and the principle of cause and effect (Kamma). I hold no anger, resentment, or bitterness towards the young lads. While their actions crossed a line, panic and poor judgement often lead young people to react recklessly."
Karucha stated he has "no lasting injuries" and has now "almost completely healed" following the incident. Northumbria Police are investigating the report.
Karucha added: "My only hope is that these young lads take a moment to reflect on the kind of community they wish to grow up in. The way we treat others inevitably shapes the environment our own loved ones and families live in. Thank you all once again for your immense kindness, care, and solidarity."
