Woman Jailed After Brutal Homophobic Attack on Brighton Pride Returnee
Hate Crime on Lancing Train Platform
Jasmine Shepherd, 20, has been locked up for eight and a half years after launching a vicious homophobic attack on a man returning from Brighton Pride. Shepherd, from Hayley Road, Lancing, struck the victim as he left Lancing railway station on August 4.
Shocking Assault Witnessed in Broad Daylight
Shepherd didn’t stop at hurling vile verbal abuse. She followed the man into a nearby supermarket on South Street and lashed out, smashing a bottle over the back of his head. The violent blow caused serious head injuries and left the victim partially deaf in one ear.
Swift Justice After Quick ID
Thanks to eyewitnesses who caught the entire incident, Shepherd was quickly identified and arrested. She admitted to grievous bodily harm with intent. At Hove Crown Court on May 7, she was sentenced to a young offenders’ institute for eight years and six months.
Investigator Outraged by Hate-Fuelled Attack
“Shepherd took an immediate dislike towards the victim and the verbal abuse she shouted was abhorrent,” said Detective Robert Rollins of the Worthing Investigation Team. “The attack caused the victim a huge amount of stress, pain and worry. I hope this sentencing provides closure.”
“Her previous record and the homophobic nature of the crime led to a harsher sentence. This is a clear warning – hatred like this will not be tolerated.”
