Sophie Lancaster | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 26 November 1986 Lancashire, England |
| Died | 24 August 2007 (aged 20) Hope Hospital, Salford, England |
| Cause of death | Beating |
| Nationality | British |
The murder of Sophie Lancaster occurred in England in August 2007. The victim and her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, were attacked by a group of teenage boys while walking through Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Rossendale, Lancashire, on 11 August 2007.[1] As a result of the severe head injuries Lancaster sustained in the attack, she went into a coma from which she never regained consciousness, and died of her injuries thirteen days later. The police said the attack may have been linked to the couple wearing gothic fashion and being members of the goth subculture.[2]
Five teenage boys were later arrested and charged with murder. Two of them, Ryan Herbert and Brendon Harris were convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. The other three were convicted and jailed for grievous bodily harm (GBH). A memorial fund was established in Lancaster's name, and numerous events have paid tribute to her locally, nationally and internationally. Plays, films, art and books have covered the issues surrounding the murder.
- ^ Pilling, Kim (27 March 2008). "Teenager guilty of goth murder". The Independent. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
- ^ "Couple left badly beaten in skate park (From Lancashire Telegraph)". Lancashiretelegraph.co.uk. 12 August 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2011.