Cornwall man sentenced after homophobic abuse
A man has appeared before Truro magistrates after he attacked a person he thought to be gay.
Max Tiller, 21, from Truro, had been travelling on the St Mawes ferry on 24th July last year when he began making conversation with two men.
After questioning the pair about their sexuality, he rallied them with homophobic abuse, before moving away from them on the ferry.
After the boat arrived at St. Mawes, Tiller ran up behind one of the men and punched him.
He then followed both of them to their hotel while persisting with the abuse.
Tiller was identified on CCTV and by eyewitnesses, and appeared at the magistrates court in Truro on 30th July this year.
He was given a 12-month community order, put under curfew for three months, and ordered to pay compensation of £150, together with costs of £200.
Kevin Sparks, diversity officer for mid-Cornwall, said:
“It is vitally important for victims of homophobic abuse to come forwards and report it; it could help prevent others becoming victims of violent or aggressive people.”
Cornwall Pride 2008 will be held in the city of Truro on Saturday 23rd August.
