SOPHIE
Stamp Out Prejudice, Hate & Intolerance Everywhere
Sophie Lancaster was a 20 year old lady who was kicked to death last August by a gang of despicable teenage thugs. Her boyfriend was set upon first and as he lay unconcious, she cradled his head and begged them to stop. Then they started on her and she never recovered. Her boyfriend Rob recovered but has no recollection of the event. The QC for the prosectution said they were attacked simply because of their alternative style of dress.
Last week, the murder trial began. I don’t want to say much more, the harrowing details are easy enough to find online, suffice to say, it was a brutal and savage attack. A hate crime. Alternative cultures are regularly targeted by teen groups and Sophie’s courageous family and friends started a campaign in memory of Sophie which aims to promote a greater understanding between people from different groups and they have an online petition which closes on the 28th March asking Downing Street to widen the definition of ‘hate crime’ so that it includes crimes committed on the basis of appearance and against alternative or sub-cultures.
I didn’t know Sophie or any of her family but who could remain unaffected by such a cruel and vicious attack on an innocent and beautiful young lady . . . or not be moved by the dignified dedication of Sophie’s friends, her family and her boyfriend Rob?
You said . . .