The West Midlands Police have made an arrest after 38-year-old John-Paul Kesseler was struck with a wine bottle in Birmingham city centre “for holding another man’s hand” on October 10. Announcing the arrest on Facebook, police said the 29-year-old attacker – who has not been publicly named – handed himself in to authorities yesterday and has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Birmingham Police superintendent James Littlehales described the attack as “unacceptable” and “really nasty”, adding: “Hate crime and keeping people safe in our nightlife centres are priorities for us. Everyone should feel safe and comfortable to be who they are, we will not tolerate anyone being targeted in this way.” The police statement also said that officers are investigating the other homophobic attacks that have occurred in Birmingham over the past few months.
Those under the constituency of the West Midlands Police can report hate crimes online, and anybody in the UK can seek support from Galop if they have been the victim of an anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime.
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