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Thugs screamed abuse during gay sauna raid
A GANG of thugs shouted homophobic abuse in a raid on a Leeds gay sauna.
They wielded pieces of wood during the burglary on the Steam Complex on Eyres Avenue, Armley, Leeds Crown Court heard.
Three of the five raiders were caught by police including Sam Oxley, 18, of Bawn Lane, and Aaron Megson, 20, of The Heights, both Armley.
Prosecutor Charlotte Worsley said club supervisor Wayne Sheldon-Chappell chased the gang out after discovering them in the club, which has a sauna, gym and two cinemas.
But later, at around 10.30pm, the same night on February 17, Mr Sheldon-Chappell saw them get back into the club foyer after forcing open doors.
Miss Worsley said some of the men started shouting homophobic abuse at Mr Sheldon-Chappell.
They stole a cordless telephone and damaged the fire doors, a cinema screen projector and a TV.
The club's general manager Mark Hooper was alerted and he provided police with CCTV footage.
Megson could be seen on the footage wearing a distinctive jacket and he was arrested along with Oxley nearby.
Megson and Oxley both denied shouting any homophobic abuse but admitted burglary and possessing an offensive weapon, the pieces of wood.
Megson was subject to a community order for a previous affray when he committed the burglary.
Judge Stephen Ashurst sent Megson to a Young Offenders Institution for 18 months and handed Oxley a nine month sentence.
Police also arrested a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons.
He was previously sentenced to a Community Order at Leeds Youth Court.
Two other gang members have yet to be traced.
The incident at the private members club happened at around 10.30pm on February 17.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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