Homophobic attackers fined

The pair, aged 15 and 16, and who cannot be named for legal reasons, followed their 18-year-old victim past the Battle Abbey car park, shouting abuse during the incident on March 14.

When he reached the High Street, the thugs punched and kicked the victim.

He sustained cuts and bruises in the attack and was treated at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

The attackers, who are both from Battle, pleaded guilty at a hearing at Eastbourne Youth Court.

They were ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim.

They were also each ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15, court costs of £85 and made the subject of a referral order with the Youth Offending Panel.

Sussex Police said they take ‘a robust approach’ to those who carry out hate crime.

Sergeant Peter Allan, the Force’s hate crime sergeant, said: “I am pleased that both boys accepted responsibility for their actions.

“This sentence sends out a clear signal that we will take a robust approach to those who target individuals based on their race, disability, gender identity, religion or sexual orientation.

“I hope this case will encourage other victims of hate crime to report such behaviour to police by calling 01273 470101, or 999 in an emergency.

“For those wishing to make a report online, use form http://bit.ly/1fTDYJh which is available on our website.”