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Absolutely tragic. I hope the friends and family of the attackers are very proud. Deepest sympathy to everyone connected with Sophie.

My sympathies go out to all of Sophies family and friends. I have lost a child myself and it is the worst thing a parent can go through. Stay strong, and hopefully these thugs will be brought to justice. Netty, formerly from Lancashire.

Goodbye, little angel. It's so hard to understand. What makes somebody do that? What makes that kind of man? R.I.P Sophie.Sleep Well sweetheart.

Another tragic loss,another life wasted, All prayers to the family and a speedy recovery to mr maltby

Having known Sophie and her family all her life, there are no words to clearly say how sickened and sad we feel today. She was truely unique and the world will be a poorer place without her. Our love goes to all her many friends and family and to Bob. We wish him a speedy recovery. I plead with all parents of youngsters who are punks, goths, emos or anyone who doesn't wear the "uniform" of the street to look after them. They will all tell you of atacks on them or their friends and you may think it's unusual. It's not and it's serious. I spend lots of time with big groups of young people at my Sons gigs, wonderful creative, bright people who contribute to our world. we must support the good they do and condemn the evil that's done to them.

Just heartbreaking really beyond words. What must that family be going through?

RIP young lady. Condolences to the family. I pray that the local community find the strength to come forward and give this family the small crumb of comfort that is justice against these 5 cowards. SHOP THE BULLIES!

what a tragig waste of a young life.words cannot describe how awful this is.god bless her family.x

This is just about as nightmarish and hellish as it gets. I really feel that the battle is being lost in Britain. This is beyond repulsive. I don't really want to live in a country where these sort of things are becoming routine happenings. Where are we all heading?

This is tragic...just because she dressed 'differently' from others...long live individuality...my prayers are with her family and those of her boyfriend

I don't really know what to say;I wanted both Sophie and Rob to come out of this alive and well,but this can no longer be so... To her poor family,to Rob and her friends:No words can make any of you feel any better,as someone that you loved so much has been viciously removed from your lives,simply because she decided to be a little 'different' from the 'norm'...Isn't that always the case in life...? I never met or knew Sophie,but from what I have read in the comments on the other thread,she was a sweet and wonderful young lady. I am completely dumbfounded and confused as to why I am having to even write this,and want everyone that was close to Sophie to know that there are many decent and good people that I have spoken to who are equally as ENRAGED as I am that this tragic and evil assault happened in the first place. I fully understand that there is nothing I can say to take away anybody's pain,but just accept my deepest and sincerest sympathies and know that my heart is with you in this terrible time... Bless you,Sophie and rest in peace...XXX

I did not know Sophie,infact i hadn't heard of her until she was attacked and yet i cry when i think about her and what she must have gone through and how scared she must have been.What type of creatures are these fiends that can do such a vile thing?They certainly can't be human to have such a total lack of respect for human life and they are not animals because animals only kill to survive and these monsters killed for pure pleasure.I have 3 children,one of whom has just got his GCSE's and i'm so proud of him, i wonder if the parents and family of the monsters who killed poor sophie and almost killed Rob are as proud.I am scared for my kids and i'm sure many other parents feel the same.Drastic action must be taken to stop this vile culture thats infiltrated our society.If the powers that be don't do something soon i'm sure we will begin to see vigillante groups taking matters into their own hands.If this happens i'm sure they'll get all the support they need to try and exterminate these monsters for good.This must be classed as murder and attempted murder because if you attack somebody in such a violent way what else could you possibly be wanting to do but murder them? This is far beyond anti-social behaviour.I don't think we will ever see the death sentence brought back (although with the use of DNA as evidence we should be able to bring the death sentence back)therefor Sentences need to be longer, life needs to mean life, and we need some kind of corporal punishment.Human rights should only be available for the victims and not the monsters who commit these crimes and when they are in prison make prisons more like they used to be,no t.v's or dvd players with hard labour.My deepest condolences to Sophies family and Rob.God has once again received a beautiful angel into his flock.

I can only echo the senntiments already vioced regarding Sophie and Rob. Having never lost a friend to such a senseless, violent act I can only imagine what the family and friends of these dear victims are experiencing now. Please know that this story has touched many of us here in the US and you are all in our hearts and prayers. I can now only hope that Rob makes a full recovery and these little monsters are all caught and punished to the fullest extent. I fear though that they will never truly understand nor care about the repurcussions of their actions. Rest in peace dear Sophie, it's a shame you were taken from the world at such a time and in this manner. My heart is with you all.

I live in Bacup and wish we could turn back the clock and this never happened. My sincere condolences go out to Sophies family and friends. Please get well Rob. I hope the people of Bacup will arrange a memorial service for Sophie in Stubbylee Park to put across our feelings of this tragic act, hopefully a time and place will be placed on here for Bacup to come together.

I am so sorry Rob. I can't really say anything else. When I try and think about what you're going through it just makes me cry. I am SO sorry to hear about this. I know Sophie will get the send off she deserves.

Since the death of my daughter on Friday I have been reading the comments posted on the Forum. I would like to thank the majority of people for their kind comments and concern. Obviously there have been comments posted by certain individuals that I find deeply offensive to my daughter and myself as her mother. I would also like to thank the nurses and doctors at all three hospitals for their help and efforts to save Sophie's life.

i knew sophi since we were 3 years old, i shall always love her and she will always be in my thoughts, best wishes to sylvia, jon and adam and to rob get well soon lots of love to u all ****

[quote][bold]sylvia lancaster[/bold] wrote: Since the death of my daughter on Friday I have been reading the comments posted on the Forum. I would like to thank the majority of people for their kind comments and concern. Obviously there have been comments posted by certain individuals that I find deeply offensive to my daughter and myself as her mother. I would also like to thank the nurses and doctors at all three hospitals for their help and efforts to save Sophie's life. [/quote] Sylvia,may I say to you directly that I am very,very sorry for your tragic loss. I have a daughter of my own,and though she is only 3 and not been out into the world yet,I cannot imagine life without her in my life;It would tear me apart. All I can say is that I hope your pain goes away eventually(though I know that is easier said than done...)and send my deepest sympathies to you and the rest of your family. Sophie seemed like a lovely girl who was taken from you before her time by filth that did not deserve to share the same planet as her... Again,I send my best wishes...x

Sylvia, as a mother of a daughter in her twenties, I can only begin to imagine your pain and sorrow at your tragic loss of Sophie. I send you and your family deeply heart felt condolences.

Sylvia - as a mother of 3 teenage children I can't even begin to imagine the pain and grief you must be feeling. It is every parents worst nightmare to lose a child but for it to happen in such a way is unimaginable. Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your daughter, Sophie. May she rest in peace x

I went to primary school with Sophie, you couldnt of asked to meet such a nice and caring person. Rest in peace Sophie x x x

How could anyone do this to an amazing girl like sophie. She was a true star, how can these sick people that have done this to her live with themselves they don't deserve a future!Yeah sophie dressed different but that was sophie an indivdual star unlike the twisted people who did this to her, no one should be judged for what they wear!sophie was an amazing girl and was a friend to everyone we will all miss you dearly rest in peace sunshine!

I'm neither a Lancastrian or a Goth but I feel compelled to send my deepest condolences to Sophie's family, Rob and anyone else connected to her. As someone who was bullied at school for being a bit different, the treatment Sophie and Rob received struck a nerve, although I never was subject to anything near as savage as what they were. My first child is due in 2 weeks and I worry about the intolerant and cruel society he/she is being born into.

sophie was my best friend i've known her closely for 5 years. i hope rossendale will now see that people who wear gothic clothing in the area are not safe because this has been going on since i moved here and it is getting worse. the council and police HAVE to do something before more people die. doesnt anyone realise that kids who hang out on parks at night are getting drunk, carrying weapons and beating up anyone who passes them? its sick

Words are really not enough, but I was so sorry to hear about this tragic loss of a beautiful life. My condolences to Sophie's family and friends.

i maet sophie a few times on the street. was very pleasant great woman. i commented on the first thread when it was posted on this paper site. my sincere condolances to sophie parents and to rob. may the angels of light watch over you all.

love and condolences to Rob and to Sophies family I dont intend justifying this scums existence with any sort of comment, my thoughts are with this beautiful girl

Condolences to Sophie's family and friends. The worldwide internet goth community feels your loss and you have our love and support.

i knew bob throughout high school and college but have only met sophie briefly on two occassions. to any family members of either bob or sophie, my sincerest condolences, in the grand scheme of things at the moment i know that my best wishes and support will be lost in grief and sadness but i would be honoured to know when the funeral or a well deserved memorial would take place. i know of a lot of people who are currently looking for an outlet to show support for a beautiful, inspirational girl x bob if youre reading this myself and alex h will be in contact very soon, we are thinking of you x

[quote][bold]Ben[/bold] wrote: wolfman, email me on this.fire.burns@hotm ail.co.uk i have a nice idea for a memorial to sophie.[/quote] ben i have tried to mail you .but it keeps coming back not delivered.have you another means of contact i would help as much as possible with your idea.any way we possible can to keep the name sophie lancaster alive. we have to remember this........the tragedy what has happened..the facts around this attack.. the wonderful person sophie was. and last but not least out of respect for the love she held for rob and her family...may angels guide her on her journey now..

I am desperately sad to read of Sophie's death. I met this lovely young lady at Rob's art exhibition in Todmorden. She was lively and pleasantand full of life. Very interesting to talk to and a very caring young woman. I am deeply saddened and my thoughts are with her family and her friends.

I met sophie a couple of times through a friend when i was working at the cobblers. she was a beautiful girl and i remember commenting on the fact to another team member at the time! An absolute pleasure to talk to and have a giggle with, she and rob made a really sweet couple and they've been torn apart in the most brutal way imaginable. i cant believe this has happened, the lads who've done it shouldn't be sent down, that would be a holiday to them. they should be named and shamed and let out in public. i guaruntee they'd last no longer than 5 minutes and they'd come to the same end as poor sophie. they desrve a dose of their own medicine and i hope they get it. my deepest sympathy to sophies poor mum and dad, as a mum myself, i can't even begin to imagine the pain they're feeling. sophie, rest your weary head, no-one can harm you now, sweet dreams hunny x

As the father of a daughter who is part of the Gothic scene I can only imagine the hurt and anguish that the parents, family, and friends of this young lady must be going thru right now. My heart goes out to them and our prayers to them as well. We will hope for Robs quick and full recovery and that the group, no matter how many and no matter what their ages, will be caught and justice is served to the fullest extent allowed and to the satisfaction of the families. Maybe if this were brought in front of the public on the front pages of the newspapers then the fools that have done this would think twice before doing it again. We in the USA send our love and support to the parents of both Sophie and Rob and our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sophie. Kelly, TX, USA

I hardly knew her, only just made her aquaintance but I knew she was a lovely kind genuine happy person, it was instant friendship. My heartbreak is only a fraction of that of her family; of Rob and his family, of their friends and all those who knew her better than me but I am haunted by this tragedy but I am also honored to be one of the lucky ones to have met her. The best go on first they say. She is truely an angel and her light glows in our aching hearts.I know one of the accused too and feel ashamed at even knowing a murderer and I hope he is severly punished to the full extent of the law Bless you all, may you grow stronger day by day. Tis but a crumb of comfort but know that there is a reason we just don't know it yet, but sophies death be not in vain. RIP Soph glad to have known you and see you again in a better place. you never believed in goodbyes.x

I had not heard of Sophie untill this afternoon. I don't think i have felt so strongly about the death of a stranger befor. As a goth myself i feel some kinshp with Sophie even though i did not know her. What a sickening waste of a lovely girl. I'm appaled that she is dead and the filth that did this are alive. I hope that the age of the scum involved will not mean that their sentances will be pitifuly inadiquate. Goodnight sweet Spohie, you will not be forgotten, even by those who never knew you. From a brother goth ****

I was very deeply shocked to read of this apalling incident last week and glad I've found a place I can comment. I cannot understand how things like this happen. My thoughts are with Sophie and Rob and their family and friends. xxx

I never knew her or Rob but if I had been born in a different time or place they could have been my friends, and they remind me of people I have known and been friends of. My heart goes out to the family and friends and to Rob who must be hurting deeply. If those of you who were lucky enough to know Sophie carry the positive memories of her around in your hearts and remember her with a smile then you keep her memory alive for eternity. Such a senseless waste of a young life not to mention the dreadful effect it must have on all who knew her. Our thoughts are with you.

I'm so upset to hear about this tragic loss. This is the first I've even heard of it since sophie stopped working with myself. Will always remember the entertaining evenings in the local, you were great company and its a tragedy this has happend.

From Uruguay with love and peace... and support with the parents... God Bless Sophie

Absolutely tragic, my heart goes out to family and friends.

I never knew Sophie or Rob, but hearing this has saddened me beyond words. Why we should be singled out for being 'goth', 'emo' or 'moshers' I shall never know. My heart goes out to Sophie and Rob's families. Let Sophie be remembered for being the wonderful, individual person she was. I hope the mindless people that did this get all they deserve and more. RIP Sophie & Get well soon Rob. You will never be forgotten xx

such a sad loss of life no one deserves to die like this R.I.P Sophie see you in heaven[

Best wishes to the family of both Sophie and Robert. A suggestion has already been made to me about a lasting tribute to Sophie over in Whitby - for those of you who don't know - is the home of the biennial Whitby Gothic Weekend. Any thoughts?

rest in peace night angel...we will remember you always, and we will stand for what we believe as you did...

can you tell me why my comment was withdrawn.what was the reasoning behind this [quote][quote]quote[/quote] [/quote]

[quote][bold]sylvia lancaster[/bold] wrote: Since the death of my daughter on Friday I have been reading the comments posted on the Forum. I would like to thank the majority of people for their kind comments and concern. Obviously there have been comments posted by certain individuals that I find deeply offensive to my daughter and myself as her mother. I would also like to thank the nurses and doctors at all three hospitals for their help and efforts to save Sophie's life. [/quote] Sylvia/John/Adam - myself, John Goldring and Sarah Horton are devastated by the terrible loss of Sophie. I have tried to get in touch, but can't find a way to. All of our thoughts are with you. Fi, John, Sarah ****

Fiona and anyone else - you can contact Sylvia on - www.myspace.com/inme moryofsophie

i saw the link to this url on the adelaide gothic site, what the hell group bashing? its just cowardly and disgusting, the people who did this will eventually get whats coming to them threefold and i will be there to laugh at them

Thanks Tomb Raider x

I cannot even express my feelings about what has happened. It is like a deep pain that everybody in the community feels. I never new sophie or rob, but it feels as though I have lost someone too. I cant even begin to imagine the pain that Rob and her parents must be going through. But I hope that they know that we are thinking of them and want to do all we can to help. Sophie will never ever be forgotten and she will live on in all of us. This is such a tragic loss of a wonderful person and the people who did this deserve so much pain and suffering. I only hope that something good can come out of this, and that nothing will ever again happen like this. R.I.P sophie. And my deepest condolences go out to Rob and family and friends, my thoughts are always with you. X

Evil people who did this I hope they get the same happen to them R.I.P Sophie xx

I never met ther but my sympathies go out to her family and friends. I hope that those teenagers got what they deserved[bold]bold[/bold] [italic]italic[/italic] [bold]bold[/bold]

I saw this link on vampirefreaks.com,al otof people are talking about it,everyone is sad about this,and those people who did this will pay. R.I.P Sophie my sympathies go to her family and everyone who was friends with her. My thoughts are with you xxx

I was both disgusted and appalled to read of this vile attack.Being from the valley and having left some thirty years ago, I am not surprised at this ne-anderthal attitude to others who may wish to express ideas / thoughts / theories yet unrealised that the so called normal ( we call em scallies in liverpool, you may call em chav's they are in fact thick as **** dick heads who wouldn't know an original thought if it occured, they are threatened by anything they don't comprehend, which is everything. T.B.C.

To continue, Bacup/Rossendale has never been at the cutting edge of any fashion and is predictably late but when someone picks up on a trend or vibe the majority find it strange wierd whatever which is why I left. There has always been an underlying violence associated with Bacup this may just bring people to there obviously dulled senses. Wise Up! Bacup They're was at one time a set of Stocks re errected in the town/village centre in the late seventies! I would like to put the people involved and more importantly thier families in the stocks for a week,month several years. So they will never ever forget what they are responsible for, as it was those kids who did this disgusting act. You make me sick!Rot in Hell

I will shut up now but If I can be of any help please let me know, eg bands ect., from Liverpool.

the event walk in the park held @ sponsored by bacup football club on saturday was a huge success thanks to all who supported me in enabling it to happen in any shape or form. a total of one thousand pounds was raised @ this event. way more than i imagined! total was collected by [bold]donations upon entry cd's of walk in the park song a rolling raffle ribbons home grown veg curry, rice n pitta supper a swearbox[/bold] thanks to the local businesses for their donations to the raffle thanks to: [bold]the commercial inn snack attack the rose n bowl potts shop the multi store wynsors asda bacup football club cosmic slop mr ashworth[/bold] a massive thanks to all the musicians, entertainers n footballers that took part - without these talents there would be no event as how would we attract an audience to particpate? THANKYOU EVERYONE! wil martin dempsey contact me ref to his last comment. please k.x

as a mother of two teenage children myself i can only say my heart and thoughts are with both sophie and rob family. what a horrible thing to happen. How can anyone one justify this horrific crime, weather they are different or not no-body deserves what they have been through.god bless both families and may you find the courage to carry on.

You will be remembered.

Wow. This is really **** ridicuolous. No one should ever have to die because of the way they dress. It angers me and sadens me at the same time. R.I.P. Sophie. May you fly with the angels in heaven. [bold]bold[/bold]

Im into the goth scene myself, and go to the Whitby Goth Weekend each year. It was very moving to see the amount of support that was there for Sophie this year. It's scary to think that people are still judged for how they look. I also have dreadlocks and piercings as sophie did and I will be more cautious of groups of "chavs" in future. Sleep well Sophie. Blessed Be. Kerrylee. x

I've been a Goth for many years now and find this utterly despicable - Goths are the nicest people around and the most friendly - I also go to Whitby twice a year and the locals there regularly comment that the Goth weekends are the most peaceful times. I hope the animals that did this to Sophie are locked up and the key thrown away - having said that it's disgusting that Goths like me have to pay to keep them in prison. R.I.P. Sophie

I don't know what goes in people's minds... How can someone take a life like that? Respect for other is just far gone. My respect goes out to the family and friends of Sophie. I hope you get all the luck and happiness you deserve.

I cannot stop thinking about this young lady obviously so full of life. What a sickening and tragic ending to a beautiful life. I wish there was something I could do. Her memory will live on, she has touched many lives in her death, I only wonder what she would have been capable in life. I am so very very very sorry.

On behalf of the House of Ottawa we wish the family and Robert our deepest condolences. This was truly tragic and extremely sad. We may not have known her but we have shed our tears over this. She was beautiful and vibrant. [bold]RIP Sophie Lancaster[/bold]

What a tragic and senseless waste of a beautiful young life. I hope the animals who did this to Sophie and Rob will come to realise what their pathetic prejudices have done, and I am so glad that, when that time comes, they have to live with themselves. Age should be no protection in a crime like this. To Sophie's family, friends and to Rob, I hope that you can find comfort in your memories of Sophie. And to Sophie, God bless, I'm so sorry this happened to you and I hope that you're at peace now. Although I never really knew you, I will always remember you.

To Sophie - we express ouselves with our music, clothes, Intelligence, maturity, kindness and love. I do not beleave in any God, but I beleave in who you were. I still find it hard to accept what has happended, you leave this world with so much love from many people - Goodnight XXX

I did not know sophie or rob, I only learned of their attack whilst browsing wikipedia for information about bacup and the surrounding area. I was so shocked and saddened by what happened that I have read everything I can about sophie and today went to bacup (for the first time) and saw the area of the park where this terrible thing happened, how could such a barbaric thing happen in a place so beautiful? a place where everyone can go to relax and enjoy the beauty of life, the tributes to sophie were amazing and I must admit to leaving a card myself and shedding a few tears, I hope that no one feels affronted by me posting this to someone I never knew or met but I really felt that I had to,

dear john kendal - no human heart can fail to be moved by this tragedy and your card and condolences join many others who did not know Sophie be assured all the support is appreciated by her family and Rob and friends.x

my sympathies, and all my support go out to sophie's parents, family and friends. I never knew Sophie, but i am moved by the loss of this beautiful individual, but also the support shown by people. To Sophie's parents: you amaze me, this must be such a difficult time for you, but i admire your strength, and will to push the Sophie campaign. You have touched the hearts of so many people, and your daughter will always be remembered within the alternative cultures around the world. Rest in peace Sophie, you wil be remembered! ****

it's absolutly sickning that ppl would go to those extremes just becouse they hate the subculture they're in do to misunderstandings & mistruths surrounding the subculture. I her family strength & luck. I hope her friends' especially her boy friend, are able to live happily & cherish the memories of her. & I most surely hope that in the near future plp wont have to worry about abuse(verbally &/or physicle) just becouse they're diffrent. [bold]May Sophie's death not be in vain[/bold]

To the families S.O.P.H.I.E.* and Robert Maltby and their freinds/peers, my deepest condolences. I'm not from England, but I am a Goth and to have such a senseless, fear-driven atrocity happen to people in my subculture saddens me. And angers me. On top of that, S.O.P.H.I.E., from what I've read of her, was someone of a social conscience, a rarity amongst Goths [at least by Amerikkkan standards]. This is someone who could've went to college and became some great as a result, but a late night chance encounter with a pack of skinwastes had cut that prosperous future short. As a former victim of them, I despise bullies in any bloody form and bullies are, in essense, cowards and products of horrible parenting. Whoever did attacked Robert and S.O.P.H.I.E. should be caught and punished for their crimes. Rest in peace, S.O.P.H.I.E. and Robert. All the world's Goths and underground tribes will never forget you. *Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred, Ignorance Everywhere.

It is such a shame that someone was attacked and killed for the way they dress. People think that because of the alternative way people dress that they are supposedly 'asking for it'. Not the case. I dress like a punk, i have a leather jacket, big boots, and many wondorous trousers, and the simple reason idress like that is because i want to. No deep meaning, i just want to. Just like Sophie and Robert did. These 2 poor individuals are unfortunately not random victims. People get attacked all the time because of peoples perjudice. Even in a professional environment. employers dismiss and dont let very talented individuals a part of their business for the way they dress. I hope that S.O.P.H.I.E. (Stamp Out Prejudice Hatred and Intelerance Everywhere) will have influence on such things. That people should be allowed to be themselves and that small minded individuals will accept that the 'norm' does not exist. That in the future people with Tattoos on their face or hands, or people with synthetic dreads, or with coloured hair can feel safe and get on with their lives. That 'hate forums' on the internet will dissapear, ive seen many. And that goths,puks,metal heads,moshers,skater s,emos,or people who just dress differently can live In a safe environment and work happily in professional workplaces. I hope from the loss of Sophie that good will come of it. That she will be remembered. I never knew her but she sounds like she was a very nice person. A deeply unfortiunate loss. Condolences to her family, friends, and Robert. Do her justice everyone and fight ignorance.

I did not know Sophie but from what I have seen and read she seemed like so many of us to be a fun loving person who just wanted to be herself. My sympathies go out to Sophies family and friends. I hope she rests in peace.

I'm so shocked! I'm just seen the TV. What is going on? Really sorry to Sophie's family. dunno what to say.

I like so many others never knew Sophie or Rob but when I read about what happended to them I cried. The pain their family and friends are going through must be unbearable yet they have to find the strength to carry on. I believe in Karma and I know what goes around comes around and one day the vile disgusting scum that did this to two beautiful, wonderful people will get their comeupance. I wish I could take the pain away for the families and fiends involved and hide it away but you are left with Sophie's memories and we can only be thankful for the short time she spent on this earth with us and the people she touched. Be strong, i send my deepest condolences to you all. Sophie you are now an angel no-one can judge, hurt or touch you, watch over the ones you love .

rest in peace sophie. everyone is thinking of you and you family at this time and will be praying that justice will be done.

I have just read the story in the Sun today. Its so sad that a caring nice girl has had her life ended by these pondlife. Just who finds kicking a girls head in into coma funny? We all know yobs do these things [italic]because the law is left powerless because these yobs have more human rights than victims[/italic] . Maybe its time to consider doing to KILLERS what they do in America, if not they should spend each day of the rest of their scummy pointless lives in jail working 12 hour days. Maybe then beating peoples heads in or killing them will not seem so funny. I would also support the return of the cane, these pondlife need to be dealt with in a way they understand. We all morn the loss of poor Sophie a girl that offered so much to the world but there are a few, who think the loss is funny and will do the same to other punks goths skates so long as the law sides with the yob.

This was such a sad tragic event and it always happens to the nice people. Today with soft laws life has lost its value. These thugs no matter if its violent drunks on Friday/Saturday night or the pondlife who killed poor Sophie they know what they are doing, they know you can kill someone if you kick their head in. But to them its entertainment, its a laugh. These pondlife target people because they are different. In St Austell a tattoed biker was left with massive brain damage after being punched to the floor by a drunk chav yob just because of how he looked. Why do people (if thats what you can call them) do this, is it because they fear non-conformists, they fear those who dont wear the trakie bottom, polo shirt and hoodie uniform? I know lots of Goths, heavy Metals and skaters and they are very nice peaceful people who offer much good to this world just like Sophie did. Its the yobs who are evil fiends and creeps. What sort of person can kick a girls head in killing her while she is nursing her unconcious boyfreind, and then think its funny? What sort of pondlife get humour out of unprovoked death? Life in this violent country has lost its value, and soft laws, alcohol and human rights are actually devaluing the lives of the nice people in our society. A severe detterent is needed or else [italic]we will all[/italic] rot under a crowd of laughing yobs.

We have a Sophie the same age as the Sophie that died she is also a Goth. She has been attacked in the past, but nothing as bad as this.We have always worried about our Sophie when she has gone out because of the way she dresses she would be subjected to abuse and attacks.When I read the story about Sophie being attacked it stopped me in my tracks My heart went out to Sophie's parents I imaged this could have happened to our daughter. My God what must her parents going through I cannot image. This would be my worst nightmare.If I can do anything to help them I would but I'm not sure anything I can do would help. Nothing will bring Sophie back! What a waste of a life because a gang of mindless yobs. Why? Can anyone tell me?