Citizen Comment: No one should live in fear of intimidation or attack
STUDENT Andrew Macey can't wait to leave the area where he was targeted for his phone and wallet.
His attacker Joel Campbell fired a volley of homophobic abuse at him while another person looked on as he robbed Andrew of his valuables.
As well as that, he robbed Andrew of his dignity and took away his freedom to walk where he likes in his adopted home city of Gloucester.
Andrew won't take the short cut through Gloucester Park now, because he is afraid he could be attacked again.
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Last year, 54 gay hate crimes were reported to Gloucestershire police, and Campbell's sickening attack in January will be another statistic to add to the 2012 figures.
As the impressive turnout to the seventh successive Gloucestershire Pride march showed in June, equality matters whoever we are.
All of us have an equal right to go about our daily business wherever we are without fear of intimidation or attack.
The effect Campbell has had on Andrew's life has been marked, and lasting.
He was sentenced to 12 months in a young offenders institution and we hope he serves the whole sentence.
We hope Andrew stays in Gloucester, and can overcome the effects of this abhorrent crime.
THE sun shone, beer flowed, the burger stalls did a roaring trade, and young and old came together for a great day at Matson Rugby Club.
Dominic Cullen would have loved it.
What a fitting tribute that there was such a great turnout to remember him and raise charity money in his name.
Gloucester is a unique rugby city where junior clubs spare few favours on the pitch, but rally together off it.
The club, and wider rugby community, did Dominic and his family proud yesterday.
GLOUCESTER'S first History Festival came to a spectacular end this weekend with the Lock 200 celebrations at the Docks.
The two-week event has showcased our city's proud heritage to great effect, with activities for all ages and interests.
Those involved in organising the festival should be congratulated and we hope it will return in future years.
Comments
by LordGagas
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 9:18PM
“No one or no animal should live in fear of intimidation or attack.”
by TheMoanerLisa
Tuesday, September 11 2012, 7:53PM
“Another example where an image of the victim appears instead of the convict that is now starting a career care of HMP. if it were up to me I'd show images of this little monster, his parents and where he lived.”
by Lecorche
Monday, September 10 2012, 1:16PM
“I'm straight but would advise this lad and others in a similar state of terror to never let the thugs grind you down.
One way to support this is to demand the return of Corporal Punishment as a tool that Judges can use.
Fight fire with fire. Pain and embarrassment would go a long way in deterring the louts who think they are untouchable.”
by honslknjklyt
Monday, September 10 2012, 12:44PM
“When I say why should gay people be protected, I want to expand on that to mean I think we should ALL be protected. Whoever we are, whatever we believe, etc, we all have the right or should have the right to go about our daily business without harassment, bullying, feeling we need to walk in another direction. I put being approached for money in that bracket. It is intimidating and puts people on the spot.”
by honslknjklyt
Monday, September 10 2012, 12:09PM
“Why should gay people get protection? I know a lady restricted from walking where she wants to walk in the town centre as she gets harrassed by the big issue seller/beggar outside Marks and Spencers. That is her favourite store but because she has been kind and gave him money in the past, he now every time he sees her targets her saying "Can you help me", "Can you sort me out", it is not fair. I am sure she is not the only one. He has asked my mother for money as well.”