UK: Tribute to murdered gay man will help raise awareness of hate crime

Twenty-four-year-old bar manager Jody Dobrowski (pictured) was killed in 2005 in a homophobic attack so horrific that he could only be identified by his fingerprints.

A wildflower garden was set up in Jody’s memory but has, in recent months, become overgrown and forgotten. However, the garden is to be replanted and a bench installed on Clapham Common. A fundraising event will be held on 7 October at the Two Brewers pub on Clapham High Street to pay for the bench, with all additional funds going to the 17-24-30 No to Hate Crime Campaign. The event is hosted by the Two Brewers, the Metropolitan Police and other local organisations.

There were 1,306 reported homophobic crimes in 2005 and Jody’s murder was one of many attacks that occurred on Clapham Common, a well-known cruising ground, that year.

There is more information on Facebook events here: https://www.facebook.com/events/214802645314282/