A man ranted in court and demanded a "retrial" after hurling vile homophobic abuse towards his neighbour.
Gabriel Genesis, of Alexandra Park, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday after he made his neighbour's life a "misery". After Genesis discovered his neighbour, who the ECHO has chosen not to name, was of the LGBTQ community, he subjected him to several months of harassment in 2020.
Prosecuting, Ken Grant, said Genesis, who was found guilty at a trial earlier this year, lived next to the man and subjected him to homophobic abuse on several occasions. The court heard how he would often shout "gay, gay gay".
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Genesis, who gestured in disbelief while sitting in the dock, was said to have on one occasion made a "gun reference" and threatened to "jump on his head". The court heard how the 55-year-old would often put the radio against the shared wall, forcing the victim to "sleep on the sofa".
In a victim personal statement read out to the court, the victim said he had suffered "severe psychological problems" and is taking prescribed medication to "calm my nerves". Mr Grant added the victim was so distressed, he had at one point contemplated suicide and has since moved from the address.
Defence Counsel, Mr Gerald Baxter, said since the victim has moved out, there has been "no reoccurrence" and Genesis has "no intention of causing any trouble like this". He added that despite a psychiatric exam finding no evidence of a mental illness, his behaviour was bizarre.
He said: "The fact of the matter is, there are aspects of his personal life and behaviour that are bizarre and at times irrational."
Mr Baxter went on to say: "He believes he is the victim of a series of conspiracies involving various government agencies, police and various individuals." The court heard how these were "deep rooted beliefs" that controls his behaviour and perception.
Mr Baxter said Genesis holds "unpopular, unfashionable and unpleasant views" but that "someone might be able to help him."
His Honour Judge David Swinnerton said Genesis made the victim's "life a misery" as he said: "I know you still deny it and you are still shaking your head as I speak". Judge Swinnerton added: "You came to discover he is gay, that was not a secret, you didn't like that because of your homophobic views."
Genesis claimed he had "never spoken to him" as he shouted: "I never said those things, that is in God's words."
Judge Swinnerton said Genesis' presentation in court on occasion has been "so bizarre" as he said: "You are eccentric and extremely extraverted." He added: "You have certain entrenched views that defy logic at times."
Genesis said from the dock that he was "not guilty".
Judge Swinnerton added: "You have complained at times that you have been the victim of racism. You know being the victim of prejudice based on personal characteristics is a terrible thing to do."
Genesis was given a custodial sentence of two and a half years as well as a 10 year restraining order as he repeatedly shouted: "I am entitled to a re-trial.". He added: "I'm not happy with this."
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