Rochester man sentenced after homophobic dart attack at Strood pub

A man from Rochester has been sentenced after launching a drunken and homophobic attack on a barman at The Sportsman pub in Strood, Kent.

Stephen Gillard, 35, was drinking at the venue on 23 May when he falsely accused the barman of stealing his wallet. The situation escalated into a tirade of homophobic abuse, culminating in Gillard throwing darts at the victim and threatening to “hunt [him] down and torture [him]”.

Witnesses reported Gillard shouting, “A queer has been serving my beer all night,” and making mocking gestures before hurling three darts that shattered a mirror behind the bar, causing £200 worth of damage. The barman, who asked Gillard to leave, said in a victim impact statement that he now fears returning to work.

Police were called to the scene, where Gillard continued his abusive behaviour, swearing at officers and calling them “buggers”. He was arrested and later charged with common assault, criminal damage, and two counts of threatening and abusive behaviour. He admitted all charges at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 5 August.

The court heard that Gillard, who has a prior conviction for wounding with intent, was intoxicated and under the influence of cocaine at the time. He claimed to suffer from anxiety and depression, and is currently unemployed, receiving benefits and living with his mother.

District Judge Stephen Leake condemned the homophobic nature of the attack, stating, “The homophobic language you used doesn’t have any place in the world we live in anymore.” Gillard was handed a 12-month community order, including six months of alcohol treatment, 10 rehabilitation sessions, and a nightly curfew. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the barman, £200 for the damaged mirror, and £85 in court costs.