March 12, 2008 16:02

20-year old murdered 'for being a goth'

Court hears how woman was allegedly kicked to death for her style

A court in Preston has heard how a 20-year old woman was kicked and stamped to death for being a goth.

Sophie Lancaster was murdered by a group of five teenagers in Bacup, Lancashire, in August 2007, in an unprovoked attack on her and her boyfriend.

Robert Maltby, 21, was seriously injured in the attack, which left the pair unconscious at the side of the road.

Lancaster died in hospital two weeks after the attack, while Maltby has still not recovered from the incident.

Michael Shorrock QC for the prosecution, said the accused had targeted the couple because they were dressed differently to them, and described their behaviour as "like a pack of wild animals".

According to the BBC, one of the accused, aged 16, has pleaded guilty to murder and admits attacking Maltby, while the other four assailants deny murder but have pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm.

The case continues.