For the benefit of Blogging Goth readers who aren’t following the WordPress version of the blog, here’s a link to the latest article on the Lanza shooting in the US, and critically - the response of some elements of the British media.
The response has been heartening and may go some way in turning the tide of bad reporting and bad representation of Goth in the media. If you enjoy the article, please share it to educate others.
Sentencing for Bury attackers
With thanks to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation who have begun circulating the news that sentencing has been handed down to the two men found guilty of assaulting two Goths in Bury, Manchester.
The case has been extensively covered by the Daily Mail, but we strive to offer alternatives to visiting the Daily Mail’s website. The Telegraph also has the disturbing video of the assault actually in progress which may affect sensitive viewers. Further coverage can be found by googling the victim in question.
This attack has been mentioned a few times on this blog, and we can now pass on the details of the case, and the sentence. One section that was repeated by the Mail was…
Kelsall of Cheetham Hill, Manchester, had committed 77 previous offences between 1980 and 2010 including assaulting a police officer and public order matters
His counsel stated… “He bears no prejudice on people who are Goths or who dress in that way. He accepts his actions were beyond acceptable.”
It is implied from the Mail’s coverage as well that there may have been some verbal altercation between McDermott and her companion, the victims, and Kelsall and Farrar. Regardless of the provocation, said Farrar’s lawyer…
‘There is no doubt the two parties did not like the look of each other. But whatever was said that is not an excuse.’
It is difficult at best to paint this as an alternatively-motivated attack - but it also cannot be discounted, and as a result we should be grateful that justice for such a vicious assault has been handed down.
