Camden Victim Support (CVS) has thanked the victims who gave evidence at the trial of Nicholas Stewart, who was sentenced to six years' imprisonment at Snaresbrook Court last Wednesday following conviction of 18 counts of robbery, targeting gay men on Hampstead Heath in London. 

“Without the help and willingness of more than eighteen to give evidence, Nicholas Stewart would not have been convicted of assault, robbery, blackmail and theft,” said Jan Asztemborski, Borough Manager for CVS. 

The independent charity provided emotional and practical support to more than twenty victims throughout the investigation and court proceedings, and will continue to provide support for some time to come.

The recent conviction is a result of close partnership working between Camden Victim Support, the Metropolitan Police and the Camden LGBT Forum in supporting victims of homophobic crime. 

At the beginning of the year CVS recruited Joe Akram, a specialist worker, who is expanded the charity's outreach service into the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Joe Akram said that in this case, Stewart pleaded guilty to charges and there was no need for for those who came forward with information to appear in court.

“But they helped to catch a criminal,” he said, adding that the information they gave was vital to the police investigation.

Camden Victim Support provides free confidential support for anyone who may or may not have suffered form crime and encourages people to access its services no matter how long ago the crime occurred or whether there will be a prosecution.  They also encourage third party reporting.

If you are in the London borough of Camden and would like to talk to someone in confidence please ring Victim Support on 020 7388 9550.

10  September, 2004