Wed 30 May 2012 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Zakk was left battered and bruised Auckland teenager Zakk d’Larte has made a complaint to police about an attack which left him out cold in a gutter at Westhaven Marina on Saturday night. “The officer lady was nice enough, I think she was frustrated because I wasn't able to describe much about the three guys but I gave her all the details I could and so there isn't much more I could do,” the 18-year-old tells GayNZ.com. “The cameras in the area only [cover] a square section of the marina and because I am unable to pinpoint exactly where the beating happened, we're not sure if it was captured or not,” he says. “Hopefully it will show the guys lurking around or something.” d’Larte says three men approached him and started hitting on him after he left a party around 7PM. He believes they thought he was a girl, and when they realised he was a guy they started abusing him. He says they told him he was disgusting, a burden on society, and that they wish they could “do to the gays what Hitler did to the Jews”. d’Larte says he was pushed to the ground and kicked repeatedly, and woke up hours later in the gutter. “To be honest, I don't think it's very likely that we will track them down. It was dark and they were all covered up with their hoodies, which is really upsetting,” he says. “I was drunk yes, but I have nearly full recollection of the entire incident. I am just not able to remember exactly where I was when I woke up which is really one of the key details which, as I'm sure you can imagine, is so infuriating.” The teenager is disappointed in two ‘friends’ who have questioned the validity of his claims that the attack was homophobic. “I don't understand what their problem is, obviously they just crave the drama,” he says. d’Larte says he spoke up about the incident to make it clear such attacks still happen. “Physically my body is healing quite well which is good,” he says. “Emotionally this will take time. I just don't trust the city anymore. I never want to be alone around town again.” d’Larte has been asked to go to the police station again today. Meanwhile a police Diversity Liaison Officer is also looking into the case and making contact with d'Larte.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 30th May 2012 - 10:57am