A Surrey man has been jailed for a homophobic attack on a man in Brighton that left his victim unconscious in the street.
Aaron Rhoods, 25, of Waterden Road in Guildford, was one of a group who hurled abuse at the then 32-year-old man in Kings Road on Sunday 18th October, 2018 at around 3.30am.
The group cornered and assaulted their victim, hitting him over the head with a bottle and causing him to lose consciousness.
He was only resuscitated when paramedics arrived and his attackers had left the area.
Rhoods and an accomplice, 22-year-old Celso Dias of Disraeli Road, Wandsworth, were arrested after being found trying car door handles in John Street.
They were matched to descriptions given by witnesses to the attack.
Rhoods was found guilty on June 2, 2021, after a number of court hearings over two years.
He was also ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge in addition to his custodial sentence.
Dias was given a supervision order for two years.
Rhoods was jailed for five years at Lewes Crown Court last Wednesday, August 11th, after being found guilty of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Investigating officer PC Russell Smith said:
"Brighton and Hove is a wonderful, vibrant city thanks in no small part to the incredible diversity and inclusivity of its residents.
"These convictions shows that despicable hate crimes such as this will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be brought to justice.
"We will continue working to show that violence and hate is not welcome in our city and that Brighton and Hove is a safe place for everybody to enjoy."
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