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‘Things need to be done about it’ fumes RTE DWTS ace as gardai probing violent unprovoked street attack hit dead end
@Source: thesun.ie
DANCING With The Stars finalist Jack Woolley spoke of his dismay after Gardai confirmed they’d hit a dead end trying to find the culprits who attacked him in the city centre.
The brave athlete said he is considering whether to complain to Garda bosses over the lack of follow-up on the case.
Jack, 25, needed plastic surgery after he was assaulted in Dublin City centre in August 2021, just weeks after he returned from the Olympics.
The traumatic experience came back to haunt him when TV presenter Brendan Courtney was also attacked in the city centre.
Commenting on the attack, Jack complained about the lack of follow-up by Gardai after the incident.
However, contacted by The Irish Sun, a Garda spokesperson told us the case remained “open” but that, “despite investigations, including CCTV enquiries which did not identify any CCTV of evidential assistance, An Garda Siochana was unable to progress this investigation”.
Reacting to this, Jack told us: “That’s disappointing to hear. There should be more done about it.
“It’s not just me. . . it’s happened to many people since then and it’s an ongoing thing in the city centre and in the whole of Ireland.
“You hear about it nationwide. Things need to be done about it and hopefully, they (Gardai) do keep working towards getting it sorted and making Dublin city centre safe.”
The Tallaght man said he would consider making a complaint to Garda bosses, after he revealed he still had "no reach out or communication” from Gardai.
Jack admitted: “Yes, I think that would definitely be something I would look into.
“I would have to think about the positives and negatives of doing that. Especially because since the assault I have tried to put it to the back of my mind and deal with the trauma.”
The sports star also revealed how the lack of "follow-up" from Gardai in the case had inspired his partner, fitness instructor Dave Stig, to join the force.
Boyfriend Dave has attended DWTS every week, blowing a whistle in support as Jack takes to the floor.
The athlete previously revealed that he had planned to propose to Dave in the finals of the show this weekend.
PROPOSAL PLANS
Jack said: "It could still be a possibility, who knows? But I don’t know if I want to spoil a special moment for myself and Alex by doing that and making it all about me.
"But Dave could have something up his sleeve."
Jack faces a big challenge this weekend as he competes for the glitterball trophy against rivals Rhys McClenaghan, lip syncer Kayleigh Trappe and Mrs Brown's Boys actor Danny O’Carroll.
Himself and partner Alex’s chances look even slimmer after he ended up in a dance-off in last week’s semi-final with Aishah Akorede - who got sent home.
Jack said: “If that had happened on week one I would have buckled under the pressure. I just wouldn’t have been able for it.
“Unfortunately we ended up in the bottom two but rather than going in panic mode, I focussed.
'GIVE IT MY BEST'
" Unfortunately my facial expression is similar for both emotions so Alex wasn’t sure how I was going to cope.
“The want and determination came out of me. It proved I can deal with the pressure. I am going to give it my best this weekend.”
Partner Alex added: “I feel like whatever happens, we have won already because of the progress Jack has made.”
The final of Dancing With The Stars airs at 6:30pm on RTE One this Sunday.
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