Jabbard Mabounda has been sentenced to one year in prison after he assaulted two men at a bus stop in Brixton following a Black Pride event in London.
The two men, teacher Michael Smith and his boyfriend Nat Asabere sustained severe injuries and required hospital treatment. According to the Evening Standard, Mabounda launched an unprovoked attack on the couple, repeatedly striking Smith in the face and causing significant bleeding.
Smith shared his ordeal on JustGiving, stating, “All of a sudden, a stranger at the bus stop attacked my partner before hitting me repeatedly in the face. Fortunately, our bus arrived, and we were able to escape onto it. It was then that I noticed the blood from my split lip on my T-shirt. Despite the shock and confusion from the attack, I consider myself fortunate compared to other LGBTQ+ individuals who have suffered far worse.”
Detective Inspector Pete Thompson from Brixton, the investigating officer, described the incident as “a vicious, homophobic attack against two men merely waiting at a bus stop.”
Thompson added that Mabounda’s imprisonment was a just outcome for his violent actions and praised the victims for their bravery throughout the investigation.
Recognising the seriousness of hate crimes, The Metropolitan Police reiterated their commitment to combating such offences and stressed that homophobia would not be tolerated. PC Andy De Santis, who supported the victims, was commended for his dedication and ongoing support, which included emotional well-being checks and providing victim support contacts.
Mabounda’s imprisonment comes amidst broader efforts to address homophobic hate crimes in the UK, highlighted by another recent sentencing of a man with a significant criminal history, captured after a nationwide manhunt for similar offences.
