Balllynahinch man's homophobic attack

Balllynahinch man's homophobic attack

A JUDGE has branded an assault in Ballynahinch as a "homophobic attack."

Thirty eight year-old Jason Kelly kicked the man as he lay on the ground before also assaulting a woman who tried to intervene

Kelly, of Lisburn Street, Ballynahinch, appeared at Downpatrick Court on Thursday and was fined £200 and given 50 hours community service.

The court was told the incident began when a co-accused not before the court, started shouting insults a the victim, including 'big queer', 'gay boy' and 'faggott.'

When their victim was on the ground being attacked a woman tried to prevent the assault continuing but she was grabbed by the pair and thrown to the ground.

The assaults took place Ballynahinch's Lisburn Street, in the early hours of February 23. The woman who was assaulted called police to the scene.

During police interview Kelly said he had been trying to break up the fight.

A defence lawyer said Kelly, of Quoile Terrace, Ballynahinch,was a hard working man who disputed the nature of the assault described against the man.

He pointed out a witness report only mentioned Kelly's co-accused attacking the man. He said the co-accused had also admitted the kicking.

Deputy District Judge Eamon King said: "This is a homophobic attack."