Southampton Man Jailed for Brutal Hate Crime Attack
Neil Junior Cleal, 25, from Victoria Road, Southampton, has been locked up after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), criminal damage, and assaulting an emergency worker.
Rage-Fuelled Attack on Woman Sparks Outrage
The court heard how, on the evening of 21 July 2020, Cleal targeted a woman in her 50s on Ludlow Road. He hurled abuse at her, specifically attacking her gender identity. The violent rampage didn’t stop there – Cleal kicked down the victim’s front gate, spat in her face, and punched her multiple times in the head. The blow sent her falling backwards, suffering significant pain.
Violence Against PCSOs Earns Extra Jail Time
In a second incident on 24 March 2021, Cleal abused three PCSOs patrolling St Mary’s Street. He pushed one officer and threatened him, prompting further charges.
Sentenced to 19 Months Behind Bars
On 16 April, Southampton Crown Court sentenced Cleal to 16 months for the attack on the woman, plus 14 weeks for assaulting an emergency worker – a total of 19 months and two weeks in prison.
“The assault on the woman was abhorrent and unprovoked. Targeting someone over their gender identity or sexual orientation is utterly unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said the court.
Authorities praised the woman’s bravery for coming forward and thanked members of the public whose tips helped identify Cleal.
Police Urge Victims to Speak Up
Anyone facing hate crimes or serious threats is urged to report immediately via phone at 101 (999 in emergencies) or online at the True Vision website.
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