Footage of a homophobic attack on a lesbian couple on a London bus has been released
Melania Geymonat and her girlfriend, Chris, were allegedly attacked after refusing to kiss
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Footage of a homophobic attack on a lesbian couple while they were travelling on a London bus has been released.
On May 30, the two women – both in their 20s – boarded a bus in West Hampstead but were approached by a group of four men who began to hurl homophobic comments towards them.
When Melania Geymonat and her girlfriend, Chris, refused to kiss each other, the men attacked and punched them several times before running off bus. They stole a phone and bag during the attack.
Both women were taken to hospital for treatment to horrific facial injuries.
Now, the Metropolitan Police has released CCTV footage of the horrific attack:
#NoPlaceForHate | “No one should be victimised because of their sexuality”
Three teens have pleaded guilty after a violent homophobic incident on a bus. Following lewd gestures, a fight ensued and the female victims were punched repeatedly in the face
👉 https://t.co/PSGjQzcdgI pic.twitter.com/HfFfJPgl22
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 28, 2019
In July, Scotland Yard revealed four teenage boys, aged between 15 and 17, had been charged with committing an aggravated hate crime under the Public Order Act.
On August 21, the four alleged attackers appeared at the Highbury Corner youth court where they pleaded not guilty to causing harassment by threatening or abusive words or behaviour.
As well as the Public Order Offence, the 15 and 16-year-olds face additional charges of handling stolen goods.
The 16-year-old boy was also charged with theft and one 17 year old denied possession of cannabis. During a two-trial – ending today (November 29) – the four teens pleaded guilty to the attack.