Gang took photo of murdered goth

Gang took photo of murdered goth
By Stephen White

A gang who kicked a goth to death and left her boyfriend in a coma posed for a picture with their victims before the attack, a court heard yesterday.

A witness, who gave the pair first aid, said Sophie Lancaster, 20, and Robert Maltby, 21, posed happily with the five youths.

The boy of 16 told the jury at Preston crown court that one of the five attackers told him they were going to attack Sophie and art student Robert in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, Lancs, last August.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court: "A friend was taking a picture of the boy and girl and everyone was in it. The defendant was in front of the boy and after the picture I think he punched. Then they all started slapping him.

There was blood everywhere."

A boy of 15 is on trial for Sophie's murder. He and four others have admitted GBH with intent on Robert.

A 16-year-old has already admitted murdering Sophie.

The trial continues.