'I was scared for my life': 18-year-old victim of homophobic hate crime speaks at sentencing of attacker

18-year-old Kydis Zellinger was the victim of a homophobic attack whilst on a bus in Bristol. Credit: ITV West Country

A 27-year-old man has been given an 18-week prison sentence for a homophobic attack on a teenage bus passenger in Bristol.

Paul Austin pleaded guilty to assaulting 18-year-old Kydis Zellinger on the number 76 bus through south Bristol on Monday 15 October.

He admitted to subjecting the teenager to homophobic abuse in a hearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court.

Kydis said in a hearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court that his life hasn't been the same since the attack. Credit: ITV West Country

Kydis Zellinger said at the hearing, "I was scared for my life as he was towering over me in such a threatening manner and in such a rage. I can't understand why any human being could attack another in this way."

He said he is "emotionally drained" since the attack and regularly has nightmares about what happened.

Chief Inspector Nigel Colston, from Bristol South Neighbourhood Team said, "More people seem to be reporting Hate Crime but we want to reduce the instances of it occurring. We are working to make Avon and Somerset a place where there is no home for hate."