Teenager left traumatised by brutal homophobic attack

A gay teenager has told how a five-man homophobic attack has left him traumatised.

Jason Saunders, aged 18, was left with a broken nose and bruising after being jumped on by a five-strong gang after they started shouting abuse at him as he walked to work from the Sydenham area of Bridgwater with his partner, Gary Holman. The attack happened on June 23 at around 6.40pm.

Turning on to College Way, he walked past a group of five people. The group started shouting abuse at him, calling him "queer" and "ginger", telling him to "sort out his hair colour".

Jason said: "I asked them why they were shouting abuse at me and the next thing I know, all five people were attacking me.

"They were kicking and punching me in the face and still calling me names."

After the attack, Jason was rushed to Bridgwater Hospital, before being taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton as doctors were worried about him drifting in and out of consciousness.

He has been left traumatised and in fear of his safety. Left with a broken nose and bruising, he has become totally reliant on other people.

He said: "I don't like going out of the house on my own and I don't like staying in my own home alone.

"I am in constant pain and I can't see through my left eye."

Gary is very concerned about Jason, saying how, since the attack, he'd tried to persuade him to walk 100 yards down the road to their friend's house.

Apparently, Jason was so overcome with fear than when someone shut a front door as they walked past, he vomited out of pure terror.

Gary said: "Before, Jason was a caring, funny and a happy person and now he is a nervous wreck who is frightened to leave the house.

"He can't be left on his own. This attack has changed Jason so much."

A 29-year-old man has been arrested and released on police bail pending further investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to call the police on 0845 4567000.