GMP extends Hate Crime Definition

Following the recent attack and subsequent death of Sophie Lancashire GMP has extended its hate crime to include other groups such as Goths, who are assaulted for being 'different'.

From the BBC story

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is the first force in the UK to treat the offences in such a way.

Previously hate crimes were only registered for offences against race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

GMP has worked with a charity set up following the murder of 20-year-old goth Sophie Lancaster in 2007.

Ms Lancaster was attacked in a park in Bacup, Lancashire, on 24 August 2007, along with her boyfriend Robert Maltby, because of the way they were dressed.

She was kicked and stamped on as she cradled her badly beaten boyfriend.

While Mr Maltby made a partial recovery from his injuries, Ms Lancaster slipped into a coma after the attack and died later in hospital.

Read the full story and hear Sylvia Lancaster discuss her daughter.

Published: 4-Apr-2013: (1853)