27 September 2011

Man Gets 2 Years in Prison for Stonewall Anti-Gay Attack

Man Gets 2 Years in Prison for Stonewall Anti-Gay Attack

A man has been sentenced to two years in prison for an anti-gay attack at the Stonewall Inn.

Matthew Francis didn't speak at his sentencing Tuesday.

Prosecutors say Francis punched a man in the bar's bathroom after using an anti-gay slur.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty Sept. 8 to assault as a hate crime and to attempted robbery in an incident last October at the Stonewall, where a 1969 riot became a defining moment in the gay rights movement.

Defense lawyer Robert DePalma says Francis was high on prescription pills and alcohol at the time and hopes to get drug abuse counseling in prison.

Co-defendant Christopher Orlando also pleaded guilty. The 18-year-old is awaiting sentencing. He was accused of tackling the victim and holding him down.

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