Four teen boys to stand trial for allegedly attacking a lesbian couple on a London night bus
Melania Geymonat and her girlfriend, Chris, were allegedly attacked after refusing to kiss
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Four teenage boys accused of attacking a lesbian couple in a suspected homophobic hate crime on a London bus to go on trial.
On May 30, the two women – both in their 20s – boarded a bus in West Hampstead but were approached by a group of four men who began to hurl homophobic comments towards them.
When Melania Geymonat and her girlfriend, Chris, refused to kiss each other, the men attacked and punched them several times before running off bus. They stole a phone and bag during the attack.
Both women were taken to hospital for treatment to horrific facial injuries.
In July, Scotland Yard revealed four teenage boys, aged between 15 and 17, had been charged with committing an aggravated hate crime under the Public Order Act.
On August 21, the four alleged attackers appeared at the Highbury Corner youth court where they pleaded not guilty to causing harassment by threatening or abusive words or behaviour.
As well as the Public Order Offence, the 15 and 16-year-olds face additional charges of handling stolen goods.
The 16-year-old boy was also charged with theft and one 17 year old denied possession of cannabis, the Independent reported.
Now, the four teenagers are set to appear in court today (November 28) for a two-day trial.