Gothic couple attacked and beaten - Page 5

chelseagirl · 08-24-2007, 11:52 AM

The attackers recording the attack and posting the video on Utube has never been confirmed. I wonder if people are confusing the fact that 1 or more of the attackers were featured in a rap video that was on Utube, which has since been removed. That video didn't show anything regarding the attack, but was just a stupid rap video (it made my ears bleed). The video was for a song called "where U from (Bacup)"

chelseagirl · 08-24-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ulfilas

Apparently Rob is an Artist and has had some work shown in galleries. I wonder if we can help him get an memorial exhibition going?

I'm sure it will be quite a long time before Rob recovers enough to do it, but it would be a nice thing once he has recovered from his injuries and feels ready emotionally.

MollyMac · 08-24-2007, 11:59 AM

Complete and utter bullshit. No one should hav eto endure this.

pip... · 08-25-2007, 03:47 AM

the people who did this were total idiots! they have lost all their friends. even they wouldnt sik that low.
Sophie was an amazing person and an amazing friend and she didnt deserve to die the way she did!
bu there was no hope for her. so her parents finally took up the courage to allow her life support machine to be turned off.
rob is completely heartbroken. and her parents are devastated.
all her friends miss her terribly!
and it shudnt have happened to her.
rob is a great artist and no doubt many of his future pictures will be in memory of sophie.
people need to stop this its not fair on the people who get hurt.
but the guys who did do it are goin to get more than 14 yrs.
bt they should get life. life in exchange for a taken one.
and none of the locals from bacup are allowed in the park. i went yesterday and i saw the skate park and burst into tears :'(

TLZ · 08-25-2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apathy's_Child

as Opelia stated, why should their gothicness have been an issue at all? They were two people who were attacked.I hope they're both recovering well.

Possibly two people who where attacked BECAUSE they where gothic. Not that the fact they are gothic is the issue, but that someone might have been attacked for belonging to a subculture or they're style. (So if they really where mallgoths or metalheads is really irrellevant.)

Now, I don't know whether this is the case or not, but it's worth considering. People getting harassed for being in subcultures that aren't popular is not a new thing.

Actually not even the fact that they might be attacked for belonging to a subculture, but simply a group. If these action infact are motivated by hatred towards goth then this is just as bad as racist or homophobic violent-action. Nobody should feel less safe just because they are part of group like that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apathy's_Child

God I loathe humanity sometimes.

Not only sometimes here. Can anyone blame anyone for being a misantrophe when people do stuff like this?

Edward Strange · 08-25-2007, 05:20 PM

I didn't learn that the young lady died until today (I read it in the Sun, it's the paper of choice at work for some bizarre reason).

I can't think what to write now. Words like "It's so sad" or "I was very upset" keep forming but they just don't do justice to the thoughts racing through my head.
My thoughts are to the family and friends of the couple who were attacked.

I would say "what's wrong with this country!?" But I know that it isn't a question of how times have changed from the good old days, it's fundamental monkey human nature.
You do have moments when you quietly wish the silent majority would take to the streets in a wave of anger and protest and somehow turn the tables on the hoodies who keep them terrified and meek in their houses.
How many more people have to die?

Too many.
Too bloody many.

Anyway, as I understand it the Police and CPS are reviewing the charges in light of current circumstances.
So that basically means that it is (hopefully) very likely that at least some of the offends will have their charge of GBhH bumped up to something even more serious.
Such as murder.

*Puts on explaining hat*

This might come about because, in order to be charged with murder you need to have unlawfully killed someone and had the intent to either:

1. Kill them.
2. Commit Grevious Bodily Harm on them.

This second criteria applies. If the CPS were already planning on prosecuting them with GBH with intent (in itself an offence which offers the posibility of a life sentence) it should be a very simple matter to increase the charge to murder.
If they are not charged with Murder, they will hopefully be charged with GBH with intent (which is to say, to have specifically intended to injure someone very seriously).

If the jury are worth their salt they shouldn't have any difficulty seeing the defendants are guilty as sin, as their attack has several indicators pointing to this specific intention to do extremely serious harm.

But if -that- fails, then there shouldn't be a shadow of doubt they will be charged with plain old GBH, but as this almost certinally won't happen, I won't go into that right now... >_>

*Takes explaining hat off*

Sorry about that, if I made anyone's eyes melt and cover their face in eye jelly from boredom, I just thought it might be useful explaining how the legal process works a little bit here in the old U of K.

I wish I could say to the families of the victims and the young gentleman who managed to survive, "I'm sorry."
Because there is so much to apologise for when it comes to humanity...

Again, sorry if I bored anyone!

Ulfilas · 08-28-2007, 03:13 AM

Forwarded with thanks - Please Read in Full.

Hi Craig,

This is what I am sending out, We need confirmation on the date, but hope it will become a reality. I will inform you when I get the permission I need. You can publicise this as a 'statement of intent' but I cannot do anything more until I have the go-ahead from the authorities.

As a result of what happened to Sophie Lancaster in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, there is a feeling in the town that something needs to be done.

I have suggested a peace march and everyone seems to be in agreement but I know I need to clear it with the council. I have contacted Councillor Judith Driver and the police, both are in support of the idea.

What we are looking to do is have a peaceful march to the park and have a short service at the end to remember Sophie.

The Sophie and Rob Peace March would leave Hawthorn Road, and walk right on to Thorn Bank, right up Tong Lane and right on to Pennine Road and follow the road down to Bacup Fire Station. Turn right at the mini roundabout on to A671 Rochdale Road to the town centre and at St James Square, turn left on to A681 Market Street. At Park Road turn left and on to A6066 New Line and into Stubbylee Park.

I am looking at this happening on Sunday 9 September leaving Hawthorn Road at noon with an expected arrival time at the park at about 1pm to 1.30pm.

Obviously some roads will need to be closed, I would be happy if that was restricted to single carriageway, to aid the flow of traffic, and if possible at no cost. The event is being planned for a Sunday to cause the minimum of disruption.

No events or attractions will be held in the park, apart from the service. I will contact Rossendale Transport to see if the County Rider can be made available to ferry people back from the park to the estate. I will be contacting the British Red Cross to get first aid support.

The purpose behind the march is not to protest, but to reflect on what has happened and demonstrate the community spirit that exists in the town. It will be a peaceful walk, no loud music, and I will be contacting friends from the Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show to see if they can offer assistance for marshaling alongside the police.

I realise there is not a lot of time to put this in place, but the momentum is now, the strength of feeling exists now and it is better that it is channelled into a peaceful march while the tragic events are still uppermost in people's minds.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please send them to me and I'll forward them on. craig.gilman@gothhelpus.org
craig dot gilman at gothhelpus dot org

delicti · 08-28-2007, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ulfilas

Forwarded with thanks - Please Read in Full.

In all due respect, wouldn't the grieving family benefit better by keeping this whole affair from becoming a media circus?

delicti · 08-28-2007, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ulfilas

Forwarded with thanks - Please Read in Full.

I sent this to Craig. Please consider this as well:

I saw that you are planning a march in regards to the death of Sophie, the poor goth girl who was killed recently. I am writing you to implore that you seek another way of dealing with her unfortunate death.

I, too, am concerned with the well-being of the goth scene and the people in it. I run a small goth night, and am fortunate to be able to have personal relationships with a large part of our crowd. Many of these people, especially the younger members of the audience, do experience some discrimination on a regular basis.

However, this discrimination usually comes from ignorant people who already bigoted in their normal lives. Most people who I or my friends encounter are apathetic about goths in general, and are not away that it is something that can be discriminated against, let alone consider using it as a source of discrimination themselves.

I am afraid that a large-scale march like this is likely to cast the goth scene in a light that is unfavorable. Sophie's death, while tragic, is not so necessarily uncommon in their nature. If you examine the situation devoid of the goth factor, I think you will see that gang-related violence is the larger issue at hand.

I say this because this is how most people I encounter on a regular basis will see this. Trying to paint her unfortunate death as special because Sophie was a goth is likely to be seen as selfish, self-absorbed, and egotistical. If this becomes the common perception of goths, violence against goths is likely to increase instead of decline.

Furthermore, I can only feel greater sympathy for the family, who needs time to grieve, and should not have to deal with a media circus at a time like this. I cannot imagine how I would feel if, after learning of my daughter's death, that her passing was being exploited to further a cause that I did not even know existed. I think that at best you will give the family false hope that Sophie's death will stand for something greater, and at worst you will prevent them from having proper shelter to grieve privately.

Now is the time for compassion, not anger. Please think about your true motivations in taking these actions, and consider about more appropriate ways to support the family.

Ulfilas · 08-28-2007, 08:21 AM

As I replied to you by email:

Dear Daniel

I think you've misinterpretted the message.
I'm not sure that you've actually read the full message I have put the
contents of the email below - minus the contact details of the organiser.

I was forwarding details of a March that's being organised by the local
community where Sophie lived and where her family still do. It is not going
to be a large Goth rally, but local people of all walks of life. The
message was sent to me by a journalist from the local newspaper.

Also this is not an Angry protest - it's a peace march.

Thanks for your concern though

May God bless you

Craig

Ulfilas · 08-28-2007, 08:23 AM

i.e. - this is NOT a Goth Help Us event.

Ulfilas · 08-28-2007, 08:41 AM

i.e. - this is NOT a Goth Help Us event.

I also forgot to mention that the March has the full backing of the families of Sophie and Rob.

I received an email to this effect from Rob's Aunt, Nicola.

Ulfilas · 08-28-2007, 08:43 AM

FORWARD from Rebecca Hohm - Founder of Goth Help Us

This past weekend was a very sad one for everyone in the goth community. In case you don't know what happened, a young couple in the UK was savagely attacked and beaten on Aug. 11 simply while walking to get a bottle of wine. They both wound up in coma's. This couple had been so badly injured that no one could tell whch was the female and which was the male. The guy (Rob Maltby) woke up from his coma and is doing better but is still very disoriented. His girlfriend (Sophie Lancaster) died last Friday (the 24th) due to her injuries.

I was literally swamped with messages of condolences and prayers for Rob and their families. A close family member of the couple says, "I'm so stunned and touched by the outpouring of generocity and grief from around the world. Thank you and all the people who have been so saddened by Sophie and Rob's story. It strengthens my faith in human nature."

I have also been asked by many of you on what can you do to help. So here are some ideas....

If you want to send cards and/or donations, please send them to the following address:

To the family of Sophie Lancaster (make checks or money orders made payable to John and/or Sylvia Lancaster, her parents)
c/o Detective Sergeant Stuart Dixon
FAO Rossendale CID
Rawtenstall Police Station
Lord Street
Lancashire
BB4 7LY
United Kingdom

or

To the family of Rob Maltby (make checks or money orders made payable to Rob Maltby)
c/o Detective Sergeant Stuart Dixon
FAO Rossendale CID
Rawtenstall Police Station
Lord Street
Lancashire
BB4 7LY
United Kingdom

Detective Dixon has assured us that all mail sent to him will be given to the families.

If you choose to send money, please go to the nearest post office and purchase an international money order. That will make it easy for the banks in the UK to process the funds.

Also, the same applies if you want to do benefits or are a band wanting to donate proceeds from a gig or other event. Just send the money directly to the family's involved at the above address.

If you want to pay by credit card instead, please donate via the GHU donation button (found on any GHU profile). Please mark it for Rob or Sophie and I will send it to the family via Paypal.

Thank you for all the compassion during this most difficult time.

*hugs*
Rebecca

P.S. PLEASE do not allow this tragedy to make your own anger grow like an acid. Please do not go out and hurt others as a way to "get even" for her death. Love is the most powerful weapon on earth. Use it.

delicti · 08-28-2007, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ulfilas

i.e. - this is NOT a Goth Help Us event.

Thank you for clarifying. I have heard rumors about GHU trying to go so far as to lobbying for legislation about this; I think that that is a waste of resources and could potentially make things worse for goths.

I'm glad that you have posted that this is not a GHU event, not is it a protest. When organizing marchers, it is very important to make sure you attract people for the right reasons.

Ulfilas · 08-29-2007, 12:11 AM

I received the following message this morning...

Thanks for all your help. The family of Sophie have now decided that they do
not want to go ahead with the idea of a peace march and I have to respect
their wishes.

Many thanks for your support, if anything changes I will contact you.

Regards
Catherine

chelseagirl · 08-29-2007, 11:56 AM

Aww, I really can't blame them though...they probably want to be left alone to grieve in private.

Death_Mask · 08-29-2007, 12:14 PM

This has got to stop. Being insulted by strangers and having stones thrwon at me was bad enough now some of us are being killed? I don't feel safe anymore.

Death_Mask · 08-29-2007, 12:15 PM

*Thrown* not "thrwon".

Death_Mask · 08-29-2007, 12:17 PM

I have my deepest sympathies for Sophie’s family and boyfriend though this is not enough. I just hope nothing like this will happen to any of the Goths here or anywhere else.

Rae Ven Rae · 08-29-2007, 12:32 PM

That is so very sad--their families have my sympathy...

pip... · 08-30-2007, 04:14 PM

i went to pay my respects today. so many flowers have been left at the park. so many greiving people.
she deserved to live. they are thinking of making a memorial plaque for her at the skate park, which was done up in memory of a young boy who died last year in an accident at the quarry

KontanKarite · 08-30-2007, 04:50 PM

It really is sad. I think, the best way to go about this is if you want a peace march, it shouldn't be in favor of goth. It should be in favor of self expression. It should be about not so much goth, but that we are all in our own way different. Everyone is different and unique in some way. It is best to promote tolorance for people's personal choices on their own image. This goes for any sort of "out of the norm" types. Goths are not the only ones who suffer these sorts of incidents.

If you must march, march in the name of peace, understanding, diversity, and tolorance. Not for goth. But be proud of who you are. Always do your best to be you no matter what kind of lifestyle you choose to live. If we must fight, fight with compassion, fight with understanding. Never yeild to anyone else of who you are. So long as you always compromise yourself for others, you'll never get any respect. Yes, this WILL cause conflict, but fight back with reason, fight back with understanding. Yes, I'm a goth, but I wont march for everyone to be peaceful to goths, but I will march in the name of tolorance and understanding.

Lady_Lacrimosa_Umbrae · 09-03-2007, 07:58 AM

A really sad incident. Their families and friends have my condolencies.

I am moved that so many people over here are writing such emotive messages, and that many are trying to do something about it.

Miss Cogs · 09-04-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontanKarite

It really is sad. I think, the best way to go about this is if you want a peace march, it shouldn't be in favor of goth. It should be in favor of self expression. It should be about not so much goth, but that we are all in our own way different. Everyone is different and unique in some way. It is best to promote tolorance for people's personal choices on their own image. This goes for any sort of "out of the norm" types. Goths are not the only ones who suffer these sorts of incidents.

If you must march, march in the name of peace, understanding, diversity, and tolorance. Not for goth. But be proud of who you are. Always do your best to be you no matter what kind of lifestyle you choose to live. If we must fight, fight with compassion, fight with understanding. Never yeild to anyone else of who you are. So long as you always compromise yourself for others, you'll never get any respect. Yes, this WILL cause conflict, but fight back with reason, fight back with understanding. Yes, I'm a goth, but I wont march for everyone to be peaceful to goths, but I will march in the name of tolorance and understanding.

I was thinking the very same thing you said right here while reading through this thread. Everyone has to go through harrasment and are always in some kind of danger of being snuck up on and being brutally attacked.

LaBelleDameSansMerci · 09-07-2007, 11:18 PM

This is terrible. I hope the kids who did it get locked away for a good long time.
My sympathies to both families and all their friends. I don't know what I'd do if my partner/best friend/relative was beaten into an irreversible coma just because they were goths.

It actually reminds me of some ducks I saw in Newfoundland. A group of about 5 or 6 ducks were savagely trying to kill another one. It horrified me.