Stonewall welcomes 'hate crime' sentences for Dobrowski murder
Stonewall welcomes the sentences passed today on the murderers of south London barman Jody Dobrowski. The 28 year sentences were increased to reflect the way in which the killing was aggravated by homophobia. It is the first time that an aggravated sentence has been passed in a murder or manslaughter case since Stonewall secured the introduction of 'hate crime' penalties for anti-gay violence in the 2003 Criminal Justice Act.
'These sentences properly reflect that this was an appalling crime,' says Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill. 'It's absolutely right that murder motivated by hatred of minority communities should be treated with this sort of severity.'
Jody was murdered by 25-year old Thomas Pickford and 33-year old Scott Walker on Clapham Common in October 2005. He was found unconscious but later died in hospital. Bystanders reported that the attack was accompanied by homophobic abuse. The victim's face had been beaten so severely that he could not be recognised by his own family and he had to be identified by taking fingerprints from his home. Prosecutor Crispin Aylett told the Old Bailey: 'This was a murder aggravated by sexual orientation.'
'This tragic killing was a sober reminder of how much prejudice still exists in some people, even in one of the most tolerant cities in Britain,' says Ben Summerskill. 'To reflect this environment, we hope the government will now consider introduction of an offence of incitement to homophobic hatred. In that way, some good might come out of Jody's horrific death.'
For further information contact Ben Summerskill on 07949 108798 or Andy Forrest on 020 7881 9441 or 07985 439660
Notes
1. Stonewall is the gay equality organisation founded in 1989. Founding members include Sir Ian McKellen. www.stonewall.org.uk.
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