THEGAYUK

Tag: Crime

All the latest breaking news crime in the UK and aboard. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Crime.

  • Football Homophobes convicted after shouting abuse at a match

    Football Homophobes convicted after shouting abuse at a match

    Four men have been convicted of a Public Order Act offence after an investigation by the Metropolitan Police and slapped with a £200 fine and are banned from attending future football matches.

    The men were found to have shouted homophobic comments and actions at a West Ham Match in early 2020.

    Police investigated reports of several men shouting homophobic comments or making homophobic actions towards visiting supporters at the West Ham v Brighton & Hove Albion game on 1 February 2020.

    Two men were arrested during the fixture at the London Stadium on the day of the game.

    Thomas Hill, 25 of Slough and Samuel Marshall, 21 of Hornchurch appeared on 3 September at Thames Magistrates’ Court. They pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act and were each fined £200 plus costs.

    The investigation continued and two other men were summonsed.

    On 30 September at Thames Magistrates’ Court, Damian Critten, 24, of Rainham and Jack Wood, 25 of London both pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act. They were each fined £120 and given three-year football banning orders.

    Chief Inspector Chris Green of Met Operations said, “This investigation and these convictions show that we will not tolerate homophobic behaviour or hate crime at football matches and more broadly in our city.

    “If you have information about people committing these type of despicable offences, please share that information with police. These offenders may happen to support the same football team as you, but they do not deserve your support.”

  • Gay man killed by machete after hookup goes terribly wrong

    Gay man killed by machete after hookup goes terribly wrong

    A man has been “hacked to death”, apparently by his Grindr hook up, in the Bronx, New York.

    An unnamed and unidentified male in New York has been killed in an apparent machete attack after his hookup date “violently cut him into pieces”, over what is thought to be a disagreement over sexual activities. It is believed the two met over the gay dating/ hook up, Grindr.

    The alleged killer, Juan Alonso, was found, according to the New York Post to be wearing women’s underwear, bra and dress.

    The victim, who has not be named, was found by Alonso’s roommate, who came home to find a bloodbath, with Alonso purportedly standing over his victim, holding the machete.

    The building’s supervisor, John Gonzalez, told the New York Daily News that the victim had been “cut up and left “on the floor in pieces”.

    “Dispute escalated”

    Alonso was taken into custody where he was psychologically evaluated, and charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon according to the police.

    Officials are investigating whether there was a “dispute over not liking certain sex activities and it escalated,

    “The perp is not in his right mind,” a police source said. “He might have taken drugs,” a spokesperson for the police said.

    Please check out our hook up and dating tips for safely hook up when using a dating app.

  • Police are looking for these people after “vicious” homophobic attack in North London

    Police are looking for these people after “vicious” homophobic attack in North London

    Detectives investigating an alleged homophobic attack in Stamford Hill, in North London, are releasing images and moving footage of individuals they would like to speak to in connection with their enquiries.

    Police were called at 01:00hrs on Sunday, 26 July following reports of a homophobic assault and robbery near the junction of Seven Sisters Road and Amhurst Park.

    Officers attended the scene and spoke with the victim, a man in his 20s, who had suffered minor injuries and had his headphones stolen.

    The victim was walking across the junction when he was approached by two men who began shouting homophobic abuse before physically assaulting him. 

    The men are both described as white and in their mid-20s. One man is believed to be around 5ft 6ins tall, with a beard and was wearing a green baseball cap at the time.

    The other man is believed to be approximately 6ft 2ins tall with curly blond or ginger hair, and was wearing a leather jacket with a T-shirt underneath. 

    Once the men had left the scene the victim called police.

    The two men then returned and stole the victim’s headphones. They also attempted to steal his phone.

    Detectives are releasing CCTV footage of two men seen running from the scene shortly after the incident, as well as two e-fit images.

    Detective Sergeant James Rush, said: “This was a vicious attack on the victim, all the more appalling because of the homophobic abuse the victim received. I implore any witnesses to this incident to get in touch to tell us what you saw.

    “I would also appeal to the men in the CCTV footage or anyone who knows them to contact us as we believe they could have significant information. The victim has also worked with us to create efit images of the two suspects which we are also releasing in the hope someone may recognise them. 

    “Any information you have no matter how small may be pivotal to our investigation. The Met stands against hate and will make every effort to track the suspects down and hold them responsible.”

    In an earlier appeal, officers were looking to trace two witnesses. One of those individuals – a man in the back of a large black car, passing at the time – has now been spoken to police. But a woman in a white car who asked the victim if he needed help remains outstanding, and officers are still keen to hear from her; as well as any other witnesses.

    Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 580/26Jul. 
    Alternatively, tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Hazell Dean terminates relationship with record company after hate crime investigation

    Hazell Dean terminates relationship with record company after hate crime investigation

    Hazell Dean, singer of the hits, “Turn It Into Love” and “Whatever I do (Wherever I Go)” has terminated her 10-year association with Energise Records after images were published on the company’s website.

    The images has since been deleted.

    Ms Dean notified the police that she believed the images were malicious. After an investigation by Sussex Police, “the police found the images to be malicious and that they constituted a hate crime” according to a statement from the singer.

    According to the statement, a Community Resolution Order, was issued by the police.

    Speaking about the incident, Ms Hazell said that she felt, “shock, anger and disgust” at the way she was targeted.

    She wrote,

    “Nobody should have to experience, or witness hate crime, as this can significantly impact mental health. It can lead to social anxiety, self-harm and in some instances, suicide.

    “I urge anyone who is a victim of, or who is a witness to hate crime, no matter how small, to report it via their local police service or STOP HATE UK.”

    https://twitter.com/HazellHD/status/1306531497919348737

    The record company also represents, gay icons, Sinitta and Eurovision legends Sonia and Nicki French.

    A statement left on the record company’s Facebook page in mid-August, apologised to Ms Dean after “some very upsetting” pictures were listed for sale by the company.

    The company stressed that the person who responsible for the postings had resigned and was no longer responsible for the maintenance of the company’s website.

    Hazell Dean has been a stalwart and vocal supporter of LGBT+ rights and can often be found performing at Prides across the country.

    THEGAYUK.com reached out to Energise Records for comment.

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  • Birmingham stabbing suspect arrested

    A man has been arrested following a stabbing incident that left one man dead and seven others injured.

    According to a police report, The suspect was detained at an address in Selly Oak at around 4 am.

    The 27-year-old remains in police custody for questioning over the knife attacks that shocked the city in the early hours of Sunday morning.

    The first attack happened in Constitution Hill followed by further stabbings in Livery Street, Irving Street and finally Hurst Street.

    How the incident unfolded

    12:30 AM Police received their first call to Constitution Hill just after 12.30 am where a man received a superficial injury,

    12:50 AM A further call 20 minutes later to Livery Street. A 19-year-old man was critically injured and a woman was also injured.

    1.50 AM we were called to Irving Street where sadly one man lost his life and another man suffered serious injuries.

    2:00 AM Ten minutes later we were called to Hurst Street where a 32-year-old woman was seriously injured and two men received lesser injuries.

    “Officers worked through yesterday and into the early hours”

    Embed from Getty Images

    Birmingham Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, said, “Officers worked through yesterday and into the early hours of this morning in a bid to trace the man we believe responsible for these terrible crimes.

    “We issued CCTV footage of the suspect and had a strong response from the public. I’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and who provided information to the investigation.

    “One line of enquiry ultimately led us to an address in the Selly Oak area this morning where a man was arrested.

    “Clearly this is a crucial development but our investigation continues. We still need to speak to any witnesses who saw what happened who’ve not yet spoken to us, or anyone who may have video footage or photos of the incidents or the attacker.

    “We have a hotline number and a dedicated web page where you can submit information, photos and videos.”

    A Hotline has been set up for anyone with info. Please call 0800 056 0944

  • Birmingham cops: “stay vigilant” but fail to release a description of the suspect – 16 hours after the incident

    There are growing calls for Midland’s Police to issue a description of a suspect who allegedly killed at least one man and injured at least seven others in the early hours this morning, in Birmingham.

    There have been no arrests and a manhunt and murder investigation is now underway.

    Police were called to an incident at 12:30 AM in Birmingham’s gay village where sadly one man died from injuries sustained from a knife attack.

    Despite the city’s wide spread use of CCTV the authorities have yet to release any description of the man they say they wish to question in connection to the incident.

    The police have warned citizens to “remain vigilant” and that they would release more information in due course.

    The police have said that they do not believe the motive for the attack to be a hate crime, gang-related or terrorism, instead suggesting that the attacks were random.

    No description, but asked to remain vigilant.

    Embed from Getty Images

    However, more than 16 hours since the incident the police have yet to issue any formal description.

    Numerous people took to social media to question why are such a long time why the police had yet to release any further information on the suspect. One person wrote, “Surely 16 hours later you must know who you are looking for??? Wouldn’t it be in public interest to show who you are looking for???”

    While another added, “For a city centre covered in CCTV, I find it highly suspicious that you’ve yet to release a description or images of the attacker. Any reasonable explanation why?”

  • Murder investigation opened after “major incident” in Birmingham

    Murder investigation opened after “major incident” in Birmingham

    Police in Birmingham have confirmed that they have opened a murder investigation after a man died died and two further victims suffered serious injuries.

    Police also note that a further five people have been injured although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

    A manhunt is now underway and no arrests have been made. The police have not released a description of the suspect.

    In a statement, police confirmed, “We believe the incidents, which took place between 12:30 am and 2:20 am, are linked and we’re doing all we can to find whoever was responsible.

    “Detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry and we’ve increased our uniformed and armed response in the city.

    “We continue to hold a number of scenes across the city, including Livery Street, Irving Street and Hurst Street.

    “We’re urging anyone who witnessed anything or anyone who has any CCTV or mobile phone footage to get in contact as soon as possible, as the information you have may be crucial to our investigation.

    “tragic, shocking and understandably frightening”

    Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, responsible for policing in Birmingham, said: “The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic, shocking and understandably frightening.

    “Please be assured that we are doing absolutely everything we can to find whoever was responsible and try to understand what exactly happened.

    “We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. Your safety is always our priority and that’s why you’ll see an increase in officers on the streets.

    “In the meantime, we’d ask anyone who’s in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.”

    The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said: “Last night’s events are truly terrible and have  shocked the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the country.

    “My first thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time. 

    “I have every faith in West Midlands Police who are working extremely quickly on this investigation.

    “My thanks also go to the ambulance and hospital staff who are working around the clock to help those who have been injured.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat on our website or call 101. If you are in danger please call 999.

  • Homophobic hate crime continues to soar in Scotland

    Instead of going down, homophobic hate crime continues to grow in Scotland.

    Despite having some of the most progressive policies in the UK for LGBT+ people, crimes against gay and bi people, or people perceived to be LGB have continued to rise in Scotland.

    Hate crime reports against LGB people are now at their highest level since 2010.

    24 per cent rise in charges for homophobic crime

    In the period between 2019 and 2020, there were 1486 total homophobic hate crime charges brought. In 2018 to 2019 there were 1194 – an increase of 292 charges for the current year, which is equal to a 24 per cent rise. Last year the rise was five per cent. Meaning that crimes against gay, lesbian and bi people has ballooned in Scotland.

    Eighty-four per cent of the charges were taken to court. One per cent of the charges did not make it to court. Nine of the cases could not proceed because there was insufficient admissible evidence.

    Transgender hate crime also increased, with one additional charge brought in the period of 2019-2020. Last year there were 40 charges, this year there have been 41 charges. A decrease since a high in 2017/2018 when charges reached 52.

    “Disappointing and, frankly, embarrassing”

    Talking to THEGAYUK about the new stats, MP Mhairi Black said,

    “It is extremely disappointing and, frankly, embarrassing that homophobic hate crimes are still on the rise in Scotland.

    “I hope, though I’m not necessarily hopeful, that these numbers indicate a greater number of people coming forward about the homophobic abuse they receive rather than the number of crimes actually increasing, but no matter which way you look at it this is a disgusting situation for a modern country to find itself in.”

  • Birmingham’s LGBT centre attacked for the second time this year

    Birmingham’s LGBT centre attacked for the second time this year

    “No one else has had their window targeted”

    Birmingham‘s very own LGBT Centre, which raises the awareness of the needs of LGBT people in Birmingham, has been vandalised for a second time in just a couple of months. In a tweet, the centre wrote that although the window-smashing might be the work of “petty vandalism” it also noted that none of the other shops or businesses in the immediate vicinity had their windows targeted.

    The centre added that the cost of replacing the window was an additional expense that they did not need. The centre doesn’t know whether the damage would be covered by insurance and may have to set up a fundraiser to have the window replaced.

    According to the centre, the damage has been reported to the police and the charity is in receipt of an incident number.

    In a statement on the official Facebook said, “We have reported to the police and will be getting the CCTV on the island checked we have an emergency contractor going out today to board it up and hopefully it will be covered by insurance if not we may well set up a fundraiser thanks for all who are contacting with offers of support”

    Birmingham is home to one of the UK’s largest LGBT scenes and a thriving bar and pride scene.

  • Reading Terror suspect attacked “without warning or provocation” court hears

    Reading Terror suspect attacked “without warning or provocation” court hears

    Suspect, Khairi Saadallah appeared in court via a video link at Westminster Magistrates Court yesterday. He stands accused of three murders and three attempted murders.

    Saadallah who is accused of murdering three men in Reading during Pride month in the UK, did not enter a plea during his hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court at which he appeared via a video link.

    He wore, according to The Independent a face mask and “prison-issue tracksuit”

    Embed from Getty Images

    Saadallah who sought asylum in the UK in 2012, was “heard to shout words to the effect of ‘Allahu akbar (God is great)’ Prosecutor Jan Newbold told the court.

    She also stated that Saadallah began his savage attack “without warning or provocation” according to Sky News

    The accused spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and that he lived in Reading.

    He was remanded in custody by chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot until a hearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday 1st July 2020.

    Saadallah is accused of killing James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, on 20 June.

    A post mortem confirmed that each of the men died from a single stab wound.

    Who were the victims?

    Mr Furlong, 36 was a teacher at The Holt School in Wokingham. He taught history and politics.

    Mr Ritchie-Bennett, 39 worked for a pharmaceutical company. He was originally from Philadelphia in the US. He had lived in the UK for 15 years.

    Mr Wails was a senior scientist at a global chemicals company.

    All three were described as “true gentlemen” by the CEO of Reading Pride, Martin Cooper.

    Three attempted murder charges.

    Saadallah is also standing trial for the attempted murder of three other men who were sitting nearby David, Joe and James. Stephen Young was sitting with the three men who died, while Patrick Edwards ad Nishit Nisudan were sitting nearby.

    Young, Edwards and Nisudan were all treated for stab wounds, taken to hospital and later released.

  • Man charged with the murder of three gay men in Reading Terror incident

    Man charged with the murder of three gay men in Reading Terror incident

    A man has charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder, police say.

    The Crown Prosecution Service has given police the go-ahead to charge Khairi Saadallah, 25 of Basingstoke for the murders of three men who were killed last Saturday night in Reading.

    The charges come following an investigation into an incident at Forbury Gardens in Reading on the evening of June 20, where a number of people were stabbed in what the police described as a “terrorism incident”.

    Saadallah is accused of killing James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, on 20 June.

    A post mortem confirmed that each of the men died from a single stab wound.

    Mr Furlong, 36 was a teacher at The Holt School in Wokingham. He taught history and politics.

    Mr Ritchie-Bennett, 39 worked for a pharmaceutical company. He was originally from Philadelphia in the US. He had lived in the UK for 15 years.

    Mr Wails was a senior scientist at a global chemicals company.

    All three were described as “true gentlemen” by the CEO of Reading Pride, Martin Cooper.

    Saadallah came to live in the UK from Libya in 2012 claiming asylum. He was given leave to remain in 2018.

    Saadallah is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday, June 29.

    Fundraiser for victims hits £13,200

    Over 600 people have already donated to a fund to help families cover the costs of funerals.

    An official fundraiser has been created by Reading Pride to help the families of Joe, James and David.

    t is also hoped that the funds raised will go towards a permanent tribute to the three men in Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre, where the three were killed.

    The fundraiser page has a statement which reads,

    “With the tragic event within our community in Reading on Saturday 20th June 2020, we’re hoping to raise some money and funds to help support the families for funeral costs.

    “As well as a permanent tribute within Forbury Gardens, so everyone has a physical memento to remember the tragic loss of lives that have occurred.”

    Counter Terrorism Policing South East continues to lead this investigation.