Post by outgirl on Oct 4, 2006 21:44:52 GMT -5
San Diego, California) A 15 year old boy who took part in the beatings of gay men as they left San Diego pride festivities in July was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in custody.
Because of his age the teen's name cannot be made public. In handing down the sentence Juvenile Court Judge Theodore Weathers said the attacks were “horrific†and “beyond comprehension.â€
Six men were attacked as they left Balboa Park where San Diego's gay pride was being held on July 29. The victims were taunted with homophobic remarks then beaten.
At least two of the victims were struck by a baseball bat. One of them was hit nearly a dozen times and required reconstructive surgery on his face. Another victim received a non life threatening stab wound.
Three adults who were involved in the attacks received prison terms two weeks ago ranging from 32 months to 11 years. (story)
The teens lawyer told Judge Weathers on Wednesday that his client was a follower and not one of the ringleaders in the attack. Attorney Robert Bourne called for counseling, substance abuse treatment and vocational training.
The District Attorney's office said that wasn't enough.
The teen pleaded guilty on September 19 to three counts of assault with a deadly weapon that included hate-crime sentencing enhancements.
So here is a case where this teen got a harsher penalty attached because it was prosecuted as a hate crime. I say good. A 15 yr old this warped needs to be taken seriously. He's lucky he didn't kill someone although it sounds like it was a very vicious beating.
Because of his age the teen's name cannot be made public. In handing down the sentence Juvenile Court Judge Theodore Weathers said the attacks were “horrific†and “beyond comprehension.â€
Six men were attacked as they left Balboa Park where San Diego's gay pride was being held on July 29. The victims were taunted with homophobic remarks then beaten.
At least two of the victims were struck by a baseball bat. One of them was hit nearly a dozen times and required reconstructive surgery on his face. Another victim received a non life threatening stab wound.
Three adults who were involved in the attacks received prison terms two weeks ago ranging from 32 months to 11 years. (story)
The teens lawyer told Judge Weathers on Wednesday that his client was a follower and not one of the ringleaders in the attack. Attorney Robert Bourne called for counseling, substance abuse treatment and vocational training.
The District Attorney's office said that wasn't enough.
The teen pleaded guilty on September 19 to three counts of assault with a deadly weapon that included hate-crime sentencing enhancements.
So here is a case where this teen got a harsher penalty attached because it was prosecuted as a hate crime. I say good. A 15 yr old this warped needs to be taken seriously. He's lucky he didn't kill someone although it sounds like it was a very vicious beating.
