THE mum of a teenager who was set on fire at his 18th birthday party has backed anti-bullying messages from Barnsley Gay Pride.
Organisers of the event were given special permission to dedicate it to Steven Simpson, who was from Cudworth, by his mum Bernadette. She was a guest of honour at the event on September 1.
"There was a police officer who spoke and asked people no matter what their colour or creed to always come forward and tell the police about bullying," she said. "That was a good message."
Barnsley College student Steven died after sustaining significant burns last June. Jordan Sheard, 20, of Darfield Road, Cudworth, was jailed for three-and-a-half years for manslaughter.
Prosecutors claimed Steven, who had Asperger's Syndrome and learning difficulties, was targeted due to his disability and sexuality and protesters later said the sentence was not tough enough.
Bernadette said this week: "The media attention has been exhausting and nerve-wracking - I have been on TV and in magazines - and Darren (her partner) and I are looking at going on a seaside break in October."
