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# Bouncer jailed after homophobic attack at Leeds Pride
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/bouncer-jailed-after-homophobic-attack-at-leeds-pride/
- Published: 2021-11-25T12:58:30.000Z
- Updated: 2021-11-25T12:58:30.000Z
- Description: On November 22, prosecutors at Leeds Crown Court heard the case of a gay man who was violently attacked by a bar bouncer during Leeds Pride.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Pride, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Leeds, LGBTQ, UK

On November 22, prosecutors at Leeds Crown Court heard the case of a gay man who was violently attacked by a bar bouncer during Leeds Pride on August 4\. According to the [*Yorkshire Evening Post*](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/slug-and-lettuce-bouncer-smashed-glass-on-mans-head-in-homophobic-attack-on-leeds-pride-day-3467043?ref=scenemag.co.uk), the victim was in the Slug and Lettuce bar on Boar Lane when 28-year-old James Withers targeted him in the bathroom. After telling the victim that he needed to leave the venue, Withers called him a homophobic slur.

When the victim arrived back at his table, he reportedly made a *“sarcastic comment”* to Withers, by which the bouncer responded by smashing a wine bottle over the victim’s head, leaving him in need of surgery and 22 stitches in total. He has also been left with permanent scarring, which he said acts as a *“constant reminder that the world is not a safe space and some people will hurt you just because of who you are”.*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/james-withers-leeds-600-400.jpg)

James Withers: Yorkshire Evening Post

Recorder Jeremy Hill-Baker sentenced Withers to two years in prison for unlawful wounding. He also noted that the victim *“is frightened to go out, is on edge and is worried about being able to express his sexuality openly – something he should be able to do without fear.”* Mitigator Jeremy Barton then described the attack as *“abhorrent and wrong”*, with there being no evidence that Withers has *“engaged in any prejudiced activity with anyone previously.”*