World a sadder place without Sophie (From Lancashire Telegraph)

World a sadder place without Sophie

9:44am Wednesday 29th August 2007 in Opinion By Caroline Taylor

I WAS shocked and saddened to learn that the young woman attacked while walking through the park with her boyfriend has died.

Sophie Lancaster, 20, from the Rossendale Valley, and her boyfriend Robert Maltby were attacked in the early hours on Saturday two weeks ago as they walked through Stubby Lee Park, Bacup.

Police said they were targeted for "being different" because they were in goth-style clothing. Robert suffered bleeding to the brain. Sophie never regained consciousness.

What a sad state of affairs.

Who would have thought that in this day and age somebody would die seemingly just for the clothes they chose to wear.

In East Lancashire we're blessed with many different creeds and colours of people.

We should celebrate these differences and value uniqueness, not attack those whose life choices we don't understand.

My deepest sympathies go to Sophie's family - who described her as funny, kind, loving and brave.

I don't doubt that the world will be a poorer place without her.

Let's just hope justice is served on those responsible.