Homophobic attack leaves victim scared to go out alone
TEENAGER Andrew Macey says a barbaric homophobic attack has tainted his view of Gloucester and has left him scared to leave his home.
The 18-year-old Gloucestershire College student was mugged in Gloucester Park, just yards from his house, in a brutal attack which left him bruised and shaken.
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Andrew Macey has been afraid to go out since the attack.
His attacker Joel Campbell, 18, of Emerald Close, Tuffley, who also stole his phone and wallet, screamed homophobic insults at Andrew during the assault.
Andrew, who moved to the city a year ago and lives in Weston Road, said ever since the attack, which happened in January, he has been afraid to go outside and it has ruined his view of the city as a whole.
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"I grew up in a rough area of Kent and nothing like this has ever happened to me before," said the video games design student.
"I was shocked that something like that happened to me here, and it has definitely changed the way I see the area. It has left me scared to walk outside the house on my own. I don't walk through the park anymore, I go the long way around."
Andrew and his fiance Mark Griffiths are now desperate to move to another part of the city.
"We just want to get out of here," added Andrew. "I can't walk anywhere now without Mark."
Meanwhile, Campbell was sentenced to 12 months' detention in a young offenders' institution for the crime at Gloucester Crown Court.
The court heard how he spat phrases including "Gay Bruv" as he grabbed Andrew by the throat and pushed him against metal railings, bruising his back.
"I was just walking to college when it happened," said Andrew.
"He ran towards me and asked me if I had any credit, which I thought was a bit weird.
"There was an accomplice with him too, a girl who I assume was keeping watch or something.
"Then he attacked me and stole my phone and wallet."
Andrew's fiance Mark utilised his technical know-how and tracked the stolen phone using his laptop, which led to another arrest when it was found for sale in a shop in Station Road.
Andrew added: "Mark has helped me so much. Especially initially as I was in so much shock I didn't know what to do."
Comments
by mrktdd
Wednesday, September 12 2012, 2:19PM
“Thanks, TiG, for pointing out that there are 2 vulnerable young gay guys living in Weston road that like technology!
Any thug who fancies a bit of gay bashing and a new phone should know where to look.
That should make Andrew and Mark feel a whole lot safer.
It amazes me when local papers print peoples street addresses.
On another note I'd love to know how Gloucester has "a close and supportive gay community"
I'm a 39 year old gay bloke who lived in London for 15 years. I find Gloucesters attitude to homosexuality at best 'freakshow-ish' at worst intimidating.”
by Bob_Flaps
Monday, September 10 2012, 12:40PM
“The ironic thing is that Joel Campbell is likely to get a taste of something he really won't like in the showers in the nick. You never know, he may come to enjoy it after 12 months.
Also, TiG, maybe you should look up the meaning of the word 'barbaric' before using it. Being mugged is horrible, and being abused for your sexuality is equally horriblel, but 'barbaric'? Hardly.”
by Bob_Flaps
Monday, September 10 2012, 12:29PM
“Studley - Why Do You Put A Capital Letter At The Start Of Each Word?”
by TimMessanger
Monday, September 10 2012, 11:53AM
“It could have easily been a racist, religious, Anglophobic or misogynistic attack, ALL are unacceptable and as such the scum that carried out this attack should have been put in stocks in King's Square so see how many people don't support his views!
@Studley1975 - Most people running any sort of business don't want the likes of Campbell as they will prey on anyone they have the chance to and will use such fowl language as they will think will help them subdue their victims from whatever group they fall into!”
by Chelt2006
Monday, September 10 2012, 11:43AM
“I hope Andrew can overcome his fear and not let this worry him forever. I would strongly suggest counselling for this kind of attack, it is extremely helpful. but also note that these "people" who undertake these attacks will say anything they can to cause offence - whether related to sexual orientation, skin colour, dress size or otherwise. They are ignorant and uneducated and don't even think of the consequences of their actions.
On another note, Studley, can I ask why you start each word with a capital letter? I have noticed various people doing this and wonder why?”
by Studley1975
Monday, September 10 2012, 10:28AM
“I Hope This Doesn't Put Both Guys Off The City. There Are Morons Everywhere & Gloucester Has Such A Close & Supportive Gay Community & Pride Events Are Effectively Grief Free! As For The Shopping/Nightlife Experience,Now That's A Different Kettle Of Fish Altogether.”