Mother reveals devastation as man pleads guilty to ‘homophobic’ killing of university student
By Josh Lee
The mother of William Lound, a 30-year-old student who was killed in a brutal homophobic and transphobic hate crime, has paid tribute to her “intelligent, unique and caring” son, who “should have been free to express himself and live his life how he chose”.
William Lound was stabbed to death on February 8 in a knife attack at his university halls at the University of Salford.
His killer, Lee Arnold, 37, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the murder on Monday morning (July 8) via video link to Manchester Crown Court. Sentencing is expected to take place in August, Manchester Evening News reports.
Speaking after the hearing, Ms Mound called for the police to do more to end anti-gay violence in the UK.
“In this day and age, and in a city like Manchester, my son should never have been targeted with such violence because he happened to be gay”, she said.
“If nothing else, I hope his death highlights the fact that homophobic hate crime is still an issue in this country, and that it needs to be properly investigated and stamped out by the police.”
The Lound family was hit by more tragedy just months after William’s killing, when his sister, 28-year-old Virginia, was found dead at the corner shop she ran in Southport.
“Although I am relieved Lee Arnold has pleaded guilty to the murder of my son, there is no changing the fact he has robbed me of my family, Ms Lound continued.
“William’s death has had far reaching consequences and devastated my life in a way I never thought possible.
“I only hope that now Lee Arnold is in prison he receives the help that he needs, and will never be free to commit such a crime ever again.”
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed William’s murder is being treated as a homophobic and transphobic hate crime.
Meanwhile, Arnold’s lawyers have said he “has repeatedly expressed remorse and regret at the pain caused to the family by taking the life of their son.”
More stories:
‘Why it’s time for gay men to stop body-shaming’
Leading gay Black Lives Matter activist released from prison following arrest at protest