Man arrested over ‘homophobic’ death of British honorary consul

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A 23-year-old Jamaican man has been arrested over the death of a British honorary consul.

John Terry, 65, was found dead at his home on the island in early September. It is thought the attack may have been motivated by homophobia as a note was reportedly left on his bed calling him a “batty man” – a homophobic term of abuse. It added: “This is what will happen to ALL gays” and was signed “Gay-Man”.

He had a cord tied around his neck and had severe head injuries.

Although Terry’s wallet and phone were stolen, police do not believe robbery was a motive for the killing. They believe he may have been bisexual and are working to establish whether he was in a relationship with a man.

Local police said on Saturday that the arrested man will be questioned but has not yet been charged.

Two other men were arrested but were soon released.

Terry was the British honorary consul to the Montenegro Bay area and had worked for the past 12 years helping tourists who had gotten into difficulties.

He is thought to have separated from his wife three years ago. She and his two children live in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital.

Jamaica is known to be one of the most homophobic countries in the world. Gay sex between two men can carry a ten-year jail sentence or hard labour. Sex between two women is currently legal but many lesbians face persecution.

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