Named, Shamed, and Locked Up: Blackburn Men Jailed Over Homophobic Beating

The group of seven launched an unprovoked attack on two men, John Jordan Brook and Daniel Timothy, after targeting them with homophobic abuse as they disembarked a train from Manchester on June 18, 2024.

What followed was a brutal beating. Several of the attackers wore balaclavas, and CCTV later showed them stamping, kicking, and punching the victims, with Mr Brook suffering repeated blows to the head even after falling to the ground. His mother witnessed the entire attack.

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Some of the men were caught on camera congratulating each other afterwards—shaking hands and even mimicking the kicks they had delivered just moments earlier.

At Preston Crown Court, all seven defendants pleaded guilty to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Four Jailed – Three Given Community Sentences

Mohammed Ali (21), of Leamington Road, was described by Judge Robert Altham as among the most violent of the group. Wearing a balaclava, he launched a running kick at Mr Brook’s head and continued to stamp on him while he lay on the floor. He was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Muhammed Nasreen (21), also of Leamington Road, was seen goading the victims before the attack began and attempted to stamp on Mr Brook’s head. He too received 20 months in prison.

Mohammed Jaber (24), of Granville Road, wore a balaclava and participated in the assault. Although he did not kick, he was involved throughout and was also jailed for 20 months.

Hasan Miah (20), of Dukes Brow, was sentenced to 16 months in a young offenders’ institution. He had committed further offences while on bail and breached a restraining order.

Suspended and Community Sentences

Mohammed Nasreen (18), of Leamington Road, received a two-year community order. The judge noted he had stamped on one of the victims and warned that any breach would result in custody.

Ibrahim Mahmood (18), of Woodfold Place, was also given a two-year community order, along with 200 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation days.

Husnain Mohammed (19), of Burlington Street, received a 10-month sentence suspended for 20 months. He was described as being on the edge of the group during the attack but was seen congratulating his co-defendants afterwards.

Judge’s Verdict

Judge Altham told the men:

“This attack was particularly cowardly and I hope you are all ashamed of the way you behaved.”

He imposed a five-year restraining order preventing the group from contacting the victims.

Mr Brook and Mr Timothy suffered significant injuries—Mr Timothy has been left with permanent scarring above his eye.

Despite attempts by some defendants to minimise their involvement, the judge made it clear that covering their faces and then attacking in a group aggravated the severity of their crimes.