Homophobic bullies drive schoolboy out
A young schoolboy has been forced to leave his school after becoming the victim of an anti-gay campaign.
One classmate has been fined after making sexually explicit prank phone calls to the boy as part of a bullying campaign.
The 15-year-old was taken to court by his victim after setting up a website claiming he is gay and posting pictures of him with pink fluffy handcuffs, as well as leaving notes in his bag saying he is gay.
Another boy escaped punishment for throwing water bombs at the student after promising to leave him alone.
The defendant was found guilty of harassment and ordered to pay £150 compensation and £150 legal costs. He must also attend an action group on victim awareness each week for the next three months.
The complainant told Basildon Magistrates Court, “I was embarrassed and intimidated because word spread around school that I was gay. I’m not, but it’s not something that’s easy to prove.”
The defendant denied harassment claiming the website was a joke. He removed the site after the boy complained.
The victim has now moved to a different school.
