London gay couple beaten unconscious after night out on popular Greek island

Savage: Tristan was left with missing front teeth after he was beaten unconscious in the attack
GoFundMe
Jamie Bullen2 August 2016

A London couple have told how they were beaten unconscious in a brutal homophobic attack while on a family holiday.

The married couple, known only as Tristan and Vestal, from Lewisham, were assaulted on night out in the Greek island of Mykonos.

The pair were returning from a popular gay bar when they were struck from behind and punched and kicked as they lay unconscious on the ground.

Both men said they were targeted by thugs because they are gay.

Tristan, 42, told the Standard: “I can remember walking up a hill and turning round because Vestal wasn’t with me.

Left shaken: His partner Vestal has been suffering from low mood since the attack
GoFundMe

“I could see he was talking to someone we didn’t know and was being pinned up against some railings.

“I said to him “Vestal, we need to go” and he said he would deal with it. It was the last thing I could remember.

“When I woke up my head was feeling battered and my two front teeth were missing. I cradled Vestal who was also unconscious. He only came to when he was in the hospital.”

The attack has left both men “very shaken” after they arrived back in south London to continue their recuperation.

Holiday snap: The couple visited Mykonos for a family holiday
GoFundMe

He added: “We had to deal with the port authorities and the local police after the incident but all I wanted to really do for the rest of the holiday was lie in a darkened room.

“It was utterly depressing and emotionally very raw.

“The attack has left us feeling really shaken up and after suffering from headaches, dizziness and general fatigue since returning to the UK.

“We are convinced this was a homophobic attack because we don’t think it can be anything else. Anyone who knows Vestal knows he is the most friendly, non-threatening person there is.”

The victims said police are investigating the attack but the area where it took place was not covered by CCTV.

Helping hand: Friends have set up a fundraising page to help the couple following the attack
GoFundMe

The attack took place on the evening of July 19, the couple’s second night on the Greek island after they flew out with relatives.

Tristan added he still needed extensive dental treatment following the assault, which sparked friends to set up a GoFundMe page to help restore his smile.

So far, more than £6,600 has been raised, surpassing the fund’s £5,000 target.

Friend Daniel Hillman said: “Anybody who can spare even a small donation to help with the costs of helping restore Tristan's truly wonderful smile would be so appreciated.

“Tristan and Vestal are an amazing couple, they are positive, accepting, loving and will always support their friends and family in times of need.

“Through hard work and some hard times they stand tall as an example of true love.

Kelsea Little, spokesperson for GoFundMe.com said: "We are saddened to hear about this terrible attack on a loving couple.

“We wish Tristan and Vestal a swift recovery and we're pleased to see their community coming together to support them."

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