London man convicted on hate crime charges after assaulting drag queens
A London man has been convicted on hate crime charges, after an attack in Soho in which he fought with a group of drag performers.
Michael Maughan, 22, admitted two counts of assault and a public order offence during a trial at City of London Magistrates’ Court.
The three charges, to which Maughan pleaded guilty, relate to an incident in Soho’s Old Compton Street, during the early hours of July 10, 2014
The court heard that Maughan attacked a group who had been working and socialising in the Soho area.
He began to shout homophobic and transphobic abuse at the group, before attacking one of the victims by pulling them to the ground by their hair.
When another member of the group tried to intervene to help their friend, Maughan attacked them – dragging them across the ground.
Toks Adesuyan of CPS London said: “Hate crimes like this are toxic. To attack someone because of who they are or what they look like is simply unacceptable and has no place in our society.
“The victims of this attack were drag artists and entertainers and Maughan targeted them based on their appearance. They have been left frightened and distressed by the unprovoked attack.
“Tackling hate crime is a priority for the CPS and I hope today’s conviction sends out a strong message to the LGBT communities that we are committed to securing justice for victims of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic crimes.”
Maughan will be sentenced on January 12.
