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.

  • Man jailed for Horrific Claw Hammer Attack On Gay Man

    A man from Margate, Kent, has been jailed after he attacked his gay flatmate with a hammer as he slept.

    Joseph Williams, 21, was sentenced to 14 years in prison at the Old Bailey for attempted murder of his flatmate, Connor Huntley, who was 18 years-old at the time.

    Huntley’s injuries are so severe he now suffers from epilepsy and restrictive body movements; prosecutor Philip Bennetts QC told the court.

    During sentencing Judge Jeremy Donne QC said,

    “On May 28, 2013 you picked up a hammer, went into the bedroom of your sleeping flatmate and brought it down two times on his head.

    “Not only did it fracture his skull but it was embedded in his brain.

    “The injuries suffered by Connor Huntley were little short of catastrophic. They were life-changing.

    “It is fortunate in the extreme for both him as for you that he did not die.

    “That was only down to the skill of the medical personnel treating him but he will never be able to live an ordinary life.

    “He will be never be able to enjoy all the things that young people enjoy doing.

    “You have taken away a good part of his life.”

    The attack happened in May last year. Police who attended the scene described how they found Mr Huntley covered in blood with the claw hammer embedded in his head. He was immediately taken to hospital and was treated for a skull fracture and brain injury.

    During the case, the court heard that Williams was raised a Catholic and had been heard to make derogatory remarks about gay men before the attack.

    Williams will serve his sentence in a high-security hospital after the court found he had been suffering mental health issues at the time of the attack. He will stay there until he is deemed fit to leave.

  • German Gay Rights Activist Attacked in Belgrade.

    German gay rights activist who took part in a gay rights conference in Belgrade, Serbia, was severely beaten on Saturday 13th September 2014, suffering life threatening head injuries. The name of the victim has not yet been released, but reports from the Serbian Police, gay rights activists and the German Ambassador confirm the story, according to the Associated Press.

    Jovanka Todorovic, from the Labris Gay and Lesbian Group, told the Associated Press that the man was attacked and beaten around the head with a glass ashtray, whilst his attackers shouted “we don’t want foreigners in Belgrade”. The attack left him with internal bleeding and head injuries.

    Heinz Georg Wilhelm, the German ambassador to Serbia, stated that the man was “awake, but that it [was] still too early to say something”. He added that “If it’s true that the attacker said that he does not want foreigners in Serbia; that gives a new xenophobic dimension to the whole incident”.

    Protesting the attack, hundreds of gay rights supported marched in downtown Belgrade on Saturday, carrying signs saying “Stop the Violence” and “Your Policies, Our Blood”. Anti-riot police were present to protect the demonstrators.

    The incident comes two weeks before the first gay pride march to take place in the city since disturbances between police and anti-gay far-right groups halted the events four years ago.

    The Interior minister, Nebojsa Stefanovic pledged that police will identify the attackers, confirming that he has ordered an intensive investigation so that the attackers are brought to justice. The BBC reports that three men have been arrested, but no further details are known.

    Serbia has repeatedly pledged to protect human rights as it seeks membership of the European Union.

    Serbian officials have previously prevented LGBT-Rights demonstrations, claiming that they could not control the anti-LGBT violence, but whether this may impact on their inclusion in the EU remains to be seen.

  • Thugs Abuse 24-Year-Old Wolverhampton Man In Homophobic Attack

    Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident of criminal damage that occurred in Bridgnorth on Sunday 7th September.

    The incident took place at the Severn Car Park at around 7:15 pm on the 7th September. The victim, a 24-year-old man from Wolverhampton, was walking his dog along with another man when he was approached by an unknown female who became verbally abusive with him.

    Both men went to leave the area when they found their vehicle, a Silver Ford Fiesta, had been surrounded by a group of 6-7 men and women of mixed ages. The group proceeded to push and kick the victim’s car, one member of the group picked up a large metal bin and threw it against the car causing damage to the driver’s side panel and glass. Another member also threw what has been described as a house brick through the windscreen of the car, completely destroying it. Throughout the attack, members of the group shouted homophobic slurs at both the victim and the man with him.

    The initial female was white and described as around 40-years-old, short in height with ginger hair which was tied back. At the time of the attack, she was wearing a white blouse with a knee length skirt. One of the men in the group was described as around 40-years-old, of average build with short blonde hair. A further male was also described as around 40-years-old, wearing a blue polo shirt with dark jeans. No further descriptions of the rest of the group were given. A Ford Focus Saloon vehicle is also thought to be linked to the suspects, which Police are keen to identify.

    Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward by calling 101, quoting incident 646 of 7th September. Alternatively, information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

  • FNUR Responds To Uganda LGBTs Murder False Allegations Claims

    Yesterday, THEGAYUK reported that up to 6 LGBT men and women had been killed, by stoning, in Uganda. A number of complaints have been made about the validity of the source for the article.

    THEGAYUK published the article on the basis of this press release, that was written by the Safe Passage Fund supported by Friends New Underground Railroad (FNUR), a Quaker organisation based in Olympia, Washington.

    When we ask the FNUR to clarify and give validity of the claims made in the press release, they responded with this statement:

    ‘The press release is by Anne-christine d’Adesky, Founder of Safe Passage Fund – with input from Friends New Underground Railroad.

    Friends New Underground Railroad (FNUR) is a project of Olympia Friends Meeting (Quakers).

    Home

    We are aware that there are claims that that “there is no truth to the claims made in the release.”

    We – the Quakers in Olympia, WA and the activists we support in Uganda – all understand the importance of corroborating the work they are doing. FNUR reports as much information as we can and operate this project as transparently as we are able – while protecting the identities of those whose work we support. They are on the ground working to save others. The safety and well being of the activists/conductors and their passengers is our reason for creating FNUR and it is our only consideration. We respect and follow what the security team and others we work with in Uganda ask us to reveal or not to media folks and others.

    It is unclear to us if they are calling us liars who are conning people, or dupes who have been conned and are too stupid to realize it. Or both.

    It really doesn’t matter. We are not doing this for those people’s approval.

    There is a lot of information on the FNUR website
    http://friendsnewundergroundrailroad.org/
    Updates are posted on the FAQ page and our blog.’

    THEGAYUK also reached out to the Quaker organisation in the UK, to ask whether they had heard of FNUR, they replied,

    ‘Thanks for your enquiry about Friends Underground Railroad. After our conversation I asked other staff about this work and they had no further information to add. As I mentioned on the ‘phone, we are aware that some American Quakers are involved. Quakers in Britain, have not to our knowledge, been involved and therefore I’m unable to verify your story.’

    THEGAYUK continues to research the claims made by the press release, and will endeavour to bring you an update shortly.

  • UPDATED: Crisis in Uganda: Six LGBTs murdered in Uganda in a week

    Unconfirmed reports are being made that at least six LGBT people have been stoned to death in Uganda, after the Country’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) was annulled.

    We are in the process of validating this story – to read the full statement by the Friends New Underground Railroad, please click here.

    Ugandan LGBT activists have reported that at least 6 gay, lesbian and transgender individuals have been killed in rural areas of the African nation.

    Three gay men, two lesbians and one transgender person were allegedly amongst the victims.

    ‘One who survived (still breathing after stoning) was burnt alive using kerosene / paraffin and a matchbox,’ a witness and a source to the Friends New Underground Railroad FNUR, a Quaker solidarity imitative helping LGBT people in Uganda, stated, according to this press statement.

    A seventh gay man was reported to have been attacked, by a mob. He died from his injuries a day later.

    According to the source, a rural vigilant mob attacked the 28-year-old gay man in a different zone on August 5th. ‘I went to the scene,’ wrote the eyewitness in an email. ‘I saved him, when I lied to the mob that let me take him to the police.’

    The witness stated that he was able to convince the mob he would deliver the victim to the police, but instead put him on a boda boda, (motorcycle) and rescued him. The victim was later denied medical care, he alleged, because he lacked funds to pay.’

    The news comes after around 200 LGBT activists and allies celebrated the annulment of the AHA.

    On August 1st, Uganda’s AHA (Anti-Homosexuality Act) was annulled after it was discovered that the bill was passed without Quorum.

    However 215 of 375 MPs have already signed a petition to reintroduce and ‘fast-track’ a revised law.

    ‘I am confident we shall have the bill retabled and passed into law overwhelmingly,’ MP Latif Ssebaggala told IRIN News.

    The repealed AHA calls for up a 14 years sentence for anyone found guilty of “homosexual acts” and a life sentence for those convicted of “aggravated” offenses – such as those committed by HIV-positive individuals, or involving the disabled, minors or serial offenders.

    The promotion of homosexuality is outlawed, and citizens have been urged in the media to denounce and ferret out presumed LGBT people.

    A wave of evictions has also followed, as families and landlords kicked out LGBT individuals, fearing arrest themselves under the AHA.

    TheGayUK hasn’t been able to confirm these reports.

    We reached out to FNUR for comment on whether the accusations were true, a statement from the organisation stated,

    ‘The press release is by Anne-christine d’Adesky, Founder of Safe Passage Fund – with input from Friends New Underground Railroad.

    ‘We are aware that there are claims that that “there is no truth to the claims made in the release.”

    ‘We – the Quakers in Olympia, WA and the activists we support in Uganda – all understand the importance of corroborating the work they are doing. FNUR reports as much information as we can and operate this project as transparently as we are able – while protecting the identities of those whose work we support. They are on the ground working to save others. The safety and well being of the activists/conductors and their passengers is our reason for creating FNUR and it is our only consideration. We respect and follow what the security team and others we work with in Uganda ask us to reveal or not to media folks and others.’

  • Appeal For Information After Homophobic Attack On London Train

    A man was assaulted and verbally abused on a train between Charing Cross and Bexleyheath in July.

    British Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for information after a man suffered homophobic abuse and was assaulted on Tuesday, 15 July on a train between Charing Cross and Bexleyheath.

    PC Michael Willoughby is investigating. He said: ‘The victim boarded the train at Charing Cross around 5.30am. During the journey a man sat opposite him and began making homophobic comments to him and began taking pictures of the victim on his phone.

    ‘The victim challenged the man, but was punched and kicked in return’

    The suspect is described as a Chinese man, aged around 35, wearing a casual dark grey shirt, black trousers and black shoes. He is thought to be of proportional build and around 5’9.

    Officers are appealing to anyone who was on the service at the time and who may have information about what took place.

    PC Willoughby continued: ‘Anti-social or violent behaviour has no place on the railway and passengers should feel able to use the network without fear of becoming a victim of crime.

    ‘Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information about what took place, should get in touch.’

    Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016 quoting SSUB/B6 of 7/8/14. Alternatively contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 anonymously.

  • Man Punched Unconscious In Homophobic Attack At Brighton Pride

    Three men who attended Brighton Pride were verbally abused and physically attacked, which left one of the men unconscious in Preston Park during Brighton Pride.

    A police investigation has been mounted and an appeal for witnesses has been launched after one man was left unconscious during Brighton Pride this past weekend.

    The incident took place after two men started to urinate near to where the victims were sitting. When they asked that the men use the toilets, the attackers became violent.

    A single blow to the face knocked one of the victims, a 44-year-old man out. The two other men chased the suspects but were attacked themselves. St John Ambulance staff treated all three of the victims.

    Detective constable Chris Bishop said: ‘The two suspects are described as being white men in their 20s or 30s with Irish accents. One of them was topless and had tattoos on his body and the other was wearing a blue vest top.

    ‘This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and we are appealing to anyone with information or saw what happened to speak to us on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting 1901 of 2/8.’

    Information of the attack comes just a day after residents in Hanover received homophobic leaflets posted through their doors.

  • Suspect In Double Homicide Of Two Gay Men In Seattle Arrested

    The man who is suspected of killing two young gay men in Seattle has been arrested following a cross-country man-hunt that ended in New Jersey.

    Two men in their twenties were shot in the head and killed in Seattle after a night out with friends in June.

    30-year-old Ali Muhammed Brown was charged with the shootings, but had been on the run, until police in New Jersey managed to capture him just days ago.

    Initial autopsies suggest that the victims were ‘essentially executed’ said Senior Deputy Prosecutor Wyman Yip.

    Prosecutors say the two victims, Ahmed Said, 27 and Dwone Anderson-Young 23, were targeted and lured via a social app.

    Brown was arrested in New Jersey, without incident.

    If convicted of the two counts of aggravated first-degree murder, Brown could face the death penalty.

    ‘It is evident that the murders were premeditated and unprovoked and part of a common scheme or plan’ noted Senior Deputy Prosecutor Wyman Yip in the charging documents.

  • CCTV Images Released After Homophobic Attack on Man In Leeds

    The British Transport Police are looking for people with information after a 21-year-old man was attacked outside a Leeds train station.

    Officers from the BTP releases images of two men they want to identify and speak to following the incident, which occurred at 3.10am on Saturday, 5 July.

    PC Daniel Worthington, the investigating officer, said, “The victim, a 21-year-old man from Leeds, was in McDonald’s restaurant in the station when he was approached by a group of four men.

    “After initially engaging him in conversation, the group then followed the victim to the taxi rank where they began to shout homophobic abuse at him. Two members of the group then attacked the victim, punching him in the head and face before running off.”

    The victim sustained swelling and bruising to his face and a cut lip following the attack.

    PC Worthington added: “No one should be assaulted or abused in such a way for any reason, including their sexual orientation. We take incidents of this nature very seriously and simply will not tolerate this type of deplorable behaviour on the rail network.

    “If you recognise the men pictured please come forward as we believe they may be able to assist in this investigation.”

    If you recognise the men in the CCTV images or can assist the investigation in any way please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting log PSUB/B3 of 11/07/14 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

  • Double Murder Suspect May Have Met Gay Victims On Social App

    A man who is suspected of killing two gay men in Seattle may have met them on a social app.

    According to documents released by the courts, Brown may have used a social app to meet with the two men, and that there are no signs of robbery or drugs as a motive. Police say that Ahmed Said, may have been targeted because he was a gay man with a Muslim sounding name.

    ‘It is evident that the murders were premeditated and unprovoked and part of a common scheme or plan,” Senior Deputy Prosecutor Wyman Yip wrote in the charging documents. ‘The evidence from the crime scene, Said’s vehicle, and the autopsies suggest that the victims were essentially executed.’

    The victims had been enjoying an evening at R Place, a popular gay nightclub on Capitol Hill. According to his friends, Ahmed Said told them that he was meeting a “friend” outside the club.

    Brown could potentially face the death penalty if convicted of the double homicide. A Judge in Ocean County has issued a $500,000 arrest warrant for Brown.

    The gay community has been warned by Police Chiefs to be careful when meeting new people on apps such as Grindr or Jack’d.

    Ali Muhammad Brown, 30, was charged with two counts of aggravated first-degree murder. Two gay men were his victims. Ahmed Said 27, and Dwone Anderson-Young, 23 were shot in the head on the 1st of June near the home of one of the victims.

    Brown is currently on the run and police are hunting him in New Jersey following a cafe robbery and attempted car-jacking. Brown has been described as an ‘American-born Muslim extremist.’

  • Gay couple attacked in London; one left unconscious by TEEN gang

    A gay couple in London were beaten by a number of teenagers in London, leaving one unconscious.

    According to the London Evening Standard, Walter Adrian, 23, and his partner, who has asked not to be named were approached by seven Bangladeshi teenagers who then assaulted the couple and called them anti-gay slurs, including ‘f*cking faggots’.

    The attack happened on Whitechapel Road, after leaving a friend’s party, on the 13th June, just before midnight.

    ‘We weren’t even holding hands or kissing or anything, but all the comments were based on us being gay.

    ‘One of them said “f**king faggots” so we wanted to try and leave and my partner pushed one of them but then they got physical.

    ‘They punched him and then there were six or seven of them just going at us while we were cornered against the wall.

    ‘They were saying, ‘this is our street, this is our area, get out of here’, just because they thought we were gay. It happens a lot round this area and East London.

    ‘We weren’t even acting gay and that’s what’s upsetting. Whether anyone is gay or not you just can’t feel safe. You’re scared of being attacked and afraid to go out by yourself.’

    Adrian was left unconscious, he has bruises to his head and stomach, while his partner had a swollen jaw.

    The attackers were described as 15-to-18 year old Bangladeshis who were wearing dark sports clothing.

    A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘We were called at 1.40am on June 13 to reports of an assault in Whitechapel Road. Investigations continue.’

    Last year anti-gay incidents were recorded in East London, where a number of men were arrested after harassing a ‘gay looking’ man.