Man hospitalised with head injuries after ‘homophobes’ see him kissing a man in a bar
Christopher Haughey needed five staples in his head after the attack (Belfast Live/Christopher Haughey)
A man was left needing hospital treatment after an attack by two suspected homophobes who spotted him kissing another man in a bar.
Christopher Haughey, 31, was assaulted in Belfast city centre on Saturday, December 7. He had left a bar near Great Victoria Street at around 2.45pm and was about to travel home when he was attacked by two men, one with a dog.
Haughey was seen kissing a man in the bar before he left, and believes this is why he was targeted.
He told Belfast Live: “I walked to the Glider bus stop, which was delayed. So I walked around to the side of the Jury’s Inn to eat food I’d bought.
“I came back round the corner and I was attacked at the lights. It was two people: They pushed me and then hit me with something over the head.”
Police took Haughey to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, where he had five staples in his head to close the wounds. Although the attackers’ motive isn’t confirmed, Haughey is in no doubt that it was homophobic in nature.
“There’s no other reason why it would have happened [apart from being gay],” he said.
“It’s embarrassing that it’s happened, it’s humiliating. It really knocks your confidence. It’s embarrassing to lift your hand to anybody.”
Police are investigating the attack and have urged the public to come forward with any information that may help their enquiries.
The first attacker is described as a male wearing a cap, dark top, grey trousers and carrying a grey handbag. The second male is described as wearing a dark coat with a fur lining on the hood, dark trousers and dark shoes. He had a beard and was walking a dark coloured dog.
Witnesses are encouraged to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1017 07/12/19. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
