London Murder (Press, 9 February 1970)
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Summary: London Murder (Press, 9 February 1970)
On 8 February 1970, four youths aged 15 to 18 were sentenced for the murder of Michael de Grunchy, a 28-year-old solicitor’s clerk, after a brutal assault on London’s Wimbledon Common. The attack was motivated by the youths' belief that de Grunchy was homosexual, leading to what was described as a "queerbashing expedition." During the assault, the group, armed with sticks and accompanied by two 15-year-old girls, lay in wait for passers-by before they targeted de Grunchy, beating and kicking him severely. De Grunchy sustained serious head wounds and ultimately died in hospital from his injuries. The prosecution highlighted that de Grunchy's only "crime" was an unfounded assumption about his sexual orientation. In court, the youths showed no emotional response as they were sentenced, with the eldest receiving a life sentence while the others were given indefinite detention. Despite their actions leading to a fatality, the youths pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
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