The police decision (included the trial Judge of the five teens whom attacked LANCASTER and her boyfriend) was motivated by the SOPHIE LANCASTER FOUNDATION, a campaign to bring awareness regarding the bullying of alternative subcultures. SOPHIE LANCASTER, 20, was fatally attacked in a MANCHESTER, England park because of her appearance.
The victims mother, Sylvia Lancaster stated "a validation of the work we have undertaken in the past five years and hopefully other forces will follow [Manchester police's] lead."
The annual BLOODSTOCK UK FESTIVAL has named a stage in honor of SOPHIE LANCASTER.
The MANCHESTER, UK police's decision regarding attacks on alternative subcultures as a hate crime has yet to be recognized nationally.
FROM BLOODSTOCK UK FESTIVAL:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/
Great to hear this is finally being taken seriously ! Hats off to Manchester police !
Manchester police to record attacks on goths and punks as hate crimes
www.guardian.co.uk
Decision follows campaign by Sophie Lancaster Foundation, a charity set up in memory of girl fatally attacked in 2007
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l-