The alleged perpetrator in a homophobic attack has been charged by police. | Photo: Facebook
Police have found and charged a man after the alleged assault of a gay couple in Sydney last week.
Kurt Johnson and Adrian Kalaiziovksi got out of an Uber in an inner-city suburb last week, when the man allegedly started hurling homophobic slurs at them.
After an altercation with the men, he then returned and allegedly physically assaulted them. Paramedics took Kalaiziovksi to the nearby Prince Alfred Hospital with a broken arm.
Five days after the incident police arrested and charged a 28-year-old man with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 28 May.
Shortly after the incident Johnson launched an appeal online to help track down his husband’s attacker.
Report hate crimes to police
New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Crandell said the men’s quick response in reporting the incident helped to track down the alleged criminal.
‘I think the victim in this matter did an extremely good job of recording the incident; and maintaining early communication with local police to identify a suspect for further investigation,’ Crandell told Gay Star News after the incident.
‘Whilst there are universal precautions that can be taken by potential victims of crime like staying in well lit areas and among groups of people where possible, the circumstances of this matter simply shows a good positive reaction, including the recording of a person’s image as the basis for further police investigation.
‘I could not ask or expect more from any victim of violence.’
Crandell said hate crimes had decreased in Sydney, but if they do happen, people should report them to police.
‘I am always concerned about acts of violence and even more so when abuse is accompanied by vilification and bias related comments surrounding a person’s sexual orientation,’ he said.
‘Acts of violence in the circumstances described are especially distasteful. Bias crimes motivated by discrimination regarding a person’s sexuality or gender identity is never acceptable.’
