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Summary: Youths Guilty Of Murder (Press, 6 February 1970)
On 5 February 1970, a group of four youths aged between 15 and 18 were found guilty of murder in a London court. The jury's decision came after a hearing that detailed the gang's brutal attack on a man they mistakenly believed to be homosexual. The incident occurred in September 1969 on Wimbledon Common, a known gathering place for homosexuals. The group, which included two girls, had set out with the intent to target homosexuals. They ambushed Mr Michael Basil de Gruchy, attacking him with sticks and repeatedly kicking him. The prosecution highlighted that Mr de Gruchy had not committed any crime other than being perceived as homosexual by the gang. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital following the vicious assault. The court proceedings also revealed that other members of the gang, totalling 12 individuals, were found guilty of charges related to assault and possession of offensive weapons. The judge indicated that sentencing for the youths would take place later in the week, following the courtroom's proceedings. This case sheds light on the issues of violence against the LGBTQ+ community during that era, reflecting societal attitudes and the severe repercussions that followed acts of hate.
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