UK: Two Hertfordshire teens admit homophobic abuse of man on bus
Two teenage boys from Hertfordshire, who assaulted a man on a bus multiple times, have been told they must pay fines totalling £235 as punishment.
The youths, from the town of Bishop’s Stortford near the Essex boundary, are aged 13 and 14-years-old.
Between 8 and 24 October last year the boys harassed their victim multiple times, subjecting him to homophobic abuse, making vulgar gestures and throwing sweets at him on the bus route between Little Hadham and Ware.
The two boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Stevenage Youth Court on 7 March, when the 14-year-old changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.
The 13-year-old had already admitted the offence and was referred to East Herts’ youth offender panel for six months.
He must now pay £50 to the victim and £35 in costs.
The 14-year-old was also referred to the panel for six months and was ordered to pay £50 to his victim and £100 costs.
A second 13-year-old from Bishop’s Stortford was acquitted.
