THE horrific homophobic attack carried out by two Crawley teenagers shocked and appalled many when it was reported in the newspaper back in January.

So did the pitiful sentence of five years and four months handed to Gage Vye-Parminter, 18 and Matthew Howes, 19.

They shouted homophobic abuse at Dain Louis and James Loxton and then attacked them, knocking them to the ground and kicking them both repeatedly.

The beating was so severe that one of them almost lost consciousness and both had to be treated at hospital for face and head injuries.

There is no place for this homophobic violence in our society but the five year and four month sentences did not reflect the seriousness of the crime.

It was reported to the Court of Appeal as unduly lenient and yesterday judges agreed.

The original sentence failed to take into account that this attack was motivated by hate.

But the new sentence of seven years will send a clear message that such offences will not be tolerated.

Hopefully it will also bring some comfort to the victims who are still suffering physically and mentally from the attack.

The law in this country often comes in for criticism. However, here is an example of it working well to produce the correct outcome.

With regards to Vye-Parminter and Howes, it is tempting to say “lock them up and throw away the key” . But efforts must also be made to educate them. What possessed them to commit such a horrific attack on a gay couple? More must be done if we are to consign homophobia to the history books.