Three men admit attacking Owen Jones but deny it was fuelled by homophobia
The Attitude columnist was out celebrating his birthday in Islington when he was attacked
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Three men have admitted attacking Attitude columnist Owen Jones but deny it was fuelled by homophobia.
The Attitude and Guardian columnist – who is openly gay – was celebrating his birthday in Islington back in August when four men approached him and allegedly attacked him.
Three men were arrested after attending a police station and they were all arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Now, James Healy, 40, Charlie Ambrose, 30, and Liam Tracey, 34, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court where they all admitted a charge of affray.
Healy admitted to a further charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and will face a further trial by judge to determine whether Jones’ sexuality was the motivation behind the attack, TalkRadio reported.
Healy will be back in court between January 16 and 17 where Jones will be required to give evidence.
All three men are then due to be sentenced on February 11 and were warned they could face prison.