Celebrations scarred by young brawlers

While police initially spoke of the good behaviour of revellers attending this year’s gay and lesbian Mardi Gras two weekends ago, those travelling through Hyde Park and the central business district told a different story.

Mounted police combating bashings and controlling fights in Hyde Park were a common sight, said some young revellers.

“I saw five or six horses just in one area of Hyde Park,” said 16-year-old Patrick Gartrell, who said that large brawls were common, and involved youths described as ‘lads,’ also called ‘white caps’ by police because of their choice of clothing.

Five people had been stabbed by the end of the night with most of the casualties being treated at children’s hospitals.

Gartrell said that most of those entangled in the violence appeared to be under 18-years-old.

Darlinghurst resident Fiona Bass said she feared for her safety as she hurried up George Street to catch the train from Town Hall station at around nine ‘o’ clock on the night. “People were staggering onto the road and there was broken glass everywhere,” she said.

Riot police were called in to clear out and lock down Hyde Park, and authorities are now considering making the area off-limits for next year’s parade.