TOP cartoonist Malky McCormick last night branded Scotland's mean streets a violent nightmare as he backed our campaign for a crackdown on the thugs who terrorise our towns and cities.

Malky, whose son Sean was left brain-damaged after a horrific assault, will relaunch the News of the World's Save Our Streets campaign on Tuesday, when he promises to "speak from the heart" about his experience.

"Violence and thuggery on the streets is so bad that it is a nightmare, an embarrassment - a damned disgrace to the good people of Scotland," said the 66-year-old from Fenwick, Ayrshire.

Malky has pledged to use his SOS speech in Kilmarnock to urge the Ayrshire community to tackle the growing problem of street violence.

He said: "My son Sean was the victim of a vicious, totally unprovoked and mindless attack by two complete strangers which has left him brain damaged.

"That day in the Easter weekend of 2003 is forever etched in our memories. A day that changed our lives forever. That is why I feel so strongly about the excellent News of the World campaign and why I must speak about it." Malky, who will be joined on the platform by former Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson, SNP MSP Willie Coffey and Superintendent Dougie Robertson, added: "I am not going to be all doom and gloom.

"I am speaking from the heart about why this campaign means so much to me and my family.

"Crime on the streets of Scotland has just become terrible. But there are a lot of kind and decent people who want to help each other. That's what makes these events so important."

Malky's son Sean was 19 when he tried to stop a fight between a father, son and their pal outside a club in Kilmarnock.

The thugs turned on the caring teen in an attack which left him in a coma for two weeks. Surgeons at Glasgow's Southern General had to cut out part of his skull to ease pressure on his brain.

He also had to have a metal plate inserted into his head and spent three months in hospital.

Earlier this month Sean's sister Jane, 27, swam 28 miles around New York's Manhattan Island, raising £1,500 for brain injury charity Headway.

She was named our Bighearted Scot of the Year in 2005 after raising £50,000 with other incredible swimming feats.

Sean's attacker Gordon Gibb, who was also 19 at the time, was caged for three years and nine months for stamping on the lad's head.

His father Gordon, 38 (pictured with Gordon Jnr below) got six months for punching Sean and knocking him out.

But instead of showing remorse, he made an obscene gesture to Malky as he left the High Court in Glasgow in 2004.

By contrast, Ayrshire folk rallied round Malky and wife Ann, 58.

Malky said: "The people of Kilmarnock have been a fantastic help to my family. Even today, people I don't know ask after my boy.

"By sitting down with MSPs and police, we have a chance to talk directly to those in authority.

"We can listen, help each other and work together to tackle the senseless violence affecting us."

Radio Clyde and Forth presenter Colin Mackay will host the roadshow at the Buchanan Centre, Jeffrey Street, Kilmarnock, at 7pm.

SAVE OUR STREET ROADSHOWS

Why don't you come along and have your say, get your tickets by emailing scottish.news@notw.co.uk

KILMARNOCK, Tuesday, June 30, Buchanan Centre, Jeffrey Street

DUMFRIES, Wednesday, July 8, Stakeford and Summerville Community Centre, Steel Avanue

ARBROATH, Wednesday, July 15, The Webster Memorial Theatre, 64 High Street

GLENROTHES, Wednesday, July 29, Woodside Community Centre, 60 Woodside Way

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