More than 200 people joined Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sir Clive Loader, the Chief Constable and Sylvia Lancaster, the mother of Sophie Lancaster who was kicked to death for being a Goth, at an event in Leicester to help raise awareness of hate crime.
The event, which was funded by Sir Clive, included the screening of Black Roses, a film about the killing of Sophie.
Sophie was 20-years-old when she and her boyfriend Rob Maltby were attacked in a Lancashire park in 2007.
As a result of her severe head injuries Sophie never regained consciousness and died 13 days later.
Following her death, Sylvia created a lasting legacy for her daughter by setting up The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.
After the screening, Sylvia took part in a question and answer panel to discuss the topic of hate crime, along with Sir Clive, Chief Constable Simon Cole and Dr Stevie-Jade Hardy from the University of Leicester’s Centre for Hate Studies.
Sylvia said: “I am so proud to have worked in partnership with Leicester’s PCC and the police as they work to prevent and support victims of hate crimes. In 2015 we should be celebrating, not fearing difference.”
Supporting victims of hate crime and hate related anti-social behaviour is a key priority for Sir Clive, as set out in his Police and Crime Plan.
He said: “I was honoured to support this event alongside The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the Force.
“It is so important that stories like Sophie’s are told so that people understand the devasting impact crimes like this have on people’s lives.
“I want to ensure that we support victims of hate crime and hate related anti-social behaviour. It is paramount that victims of this type of crime have the confidence to come forward and report it.”
Leicestershire Police’s Hate Crime Officer Darren Goddard added: “By working together with our partners to tackle hate incidents and hate crimes we send a really clear message that there is no place for hate in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”
Posted on Monday 9th May 2016