Gay rugby star beaten by teen in hate attack
FORMER rugby star Gareth Thomas has revealed he was attacked by a teenager for being gay.
The former Wales captain, who won praise for being one of the first high-profile players in the sport to come out, suffered cuts to his face and head in the assault on Friday.
He said he had received an apology from the 16-year-old boy and now considered the matter closed.
Mr Thomas, 44, who revealed his sexuality in 2009, posted a video on Twitter yesterday thanking police and the people of Cardiff for their support following the attack in the city centre.
He said he had asked for the matter to be dealt with through ‘restorative justice’ – where victims of a crime address perpetrators over the harm they have caused.
Mr Thomas said he had chosen that path rather than pressing charges because he ‘thought they could learn more that way’. In the emotional video, Mr Thomas – who is seen with scratches on his cheek and forehead – said he wanted to send a positive message.
He added: ‘Last night I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality.
‘I want to say thank you to the police who were involved and allowed me to do restorative justice to the people who did this.
‘There are a lot of people out there who want to hurt us but unfortunately for them there are more people who want to help. So this, I hope, will be a positive message.’
South Wales Police confirmed the boy had apologised over the attack.
A spokesman said last night: ‘We are aware that a video has been posted on social media by former rugby international Gareth Thomas in relation to a hate crime. We can confirm a local 16-year-old boy was dealt with by way of restorative justice following the incident.
‘Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions.’
‘A lot of people want to hurt us’
Critics of restorative justice say it is a ‘let-off’ for criminals. but supporters say it is more effective than traditional punishments in preventing repeat crimes.
Mr Thomas, the second highest try scorer in Welsh international rugby union history, made 100 appearances for the national team from 1995 to 2007. Since his retirement from the game in 2011 he has become a TV pundit and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012.