TWO Southampton men have been convicted of attacking a university lecturer who was racially abused after going out for a run.
Ricky Goodman, 36, of Windermere Avenue, and Rory Marshall, 24, of William Macleod Way, are due to be sentenced next month following the outcome of a trial at Southampton Crown Court.
Goodman was convicted of racially-aggravated assault causing actual bodily harm and Marshall was found guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Peng Wang, a lecturer in financial management at the University of Southampton, was jogging in Woolston in February last year when he was attacked.
He was rushed to University Hospital Southampton, where he was treated for injuries to his shoulder and face.
Speaking at the time Dr Wang, originally from China, said: “You’re just jogging and then some crazy people come and do this. They were shouting racist words. It’s terrible.
“I feel upset and I’m even thinking of going back to China because of this hostile environment.
“I don’t feel it’s safe. I take my son out on the weekend and now I only dare to take him to places where I can meet more people.”
READ MORE: University lecturer attacked while jogging in Southampton
A university spokesperson branded the incident “appalling and unprovoked”, adding that staff were “extremely concerned” by the attack.
They added: "Our colleague is receiving support from the university and we will continue to liaise closely with the police."
Jurors heard that the incident involved four men in a car, but only Goodman and Marshall were charged in connection with the incident.
Both men denied the allegations. Goodman said Dr Wang was the subject of "general banter" as the car drove past him, adding that the lecturer lost his temper and approached the vehicle after spotting it a few minutes later.
Goodman alleged that Marshall's identical twin brother, Damian Marshall, who was not on trial, got out of the car and punched Dr Wang on the nose.
Rory Marshall also alleged that Damian Marshall got out of the vehicle and hit Dr Wang, but said he and Goodman stayed in the vehicle.
But the two men were convicted and are due to be sentenced on May 13.
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