A MAN could be jailed after attacking two women because they were lesbians.

Gavin Jewell, 21, of Stowford Road, Barton, Oxford, was convicted by a jury at Oxford Crown Court yesterday of assault causing actual bodily harm on Debbie Baxter and Helen Gaskin, and assaulting their friends Yohan Adam and Karen Butler.

Martin Allen, 24, of Stowood Close, Headington, was cleared of two counts of actual bodily harm and one of common assault.

Miss Baxter, 31, and Miss Gaskin were left with facial injuries after they were attacked while getting off a bus in London Road, Headington.

They had caught the Stagecoach N17 bus home from the city centre at 2am on Sunday, August 21, last year after going out for a birthday celebration.

Tony McGeorge, prosecuting, told the jury: "They were all on the bus together along with a couple of other girls and they received a lot of unpleasant abuse because they are lesbians."

He said food was grabbed from them before they got off the bus. Jewell punched Miss Baxter and Miss Gaskin, knocking Miss Gaskin unconscious.

Mr McGeorge said: "He was very pleased and was shouting 'I hit a woman'."

The court heard Jewell had previous convictions for spitting at police officers and for common assault against his girlfriend.

Judge Tom Corrie told Jewell the fact the attack was homophobic would have to be taken into account when he was sentenced.

He said: "Custody for such a serious assault in public in such serious circumstances is the most likely option, but all options are to be considered."

Speaking after the verdict, Miss Baxter said: "We don't go out as much as we used to and only catch buses in daylight hours. We are very happy with the verdict. I'm glad it's over.

"The witness service has been great in helping us and Det Con Miranda Moore has been really helpful."

Det Con Moore, of Oxford police, said: "I'm very pleased with this verdict and hope this kind of attack doesn't happen again."

After the attack, Lulu Hudson, manager of the Brewery Gate pub in St Thomas Street, said other gay women were scared for their safety in the city.

Miss Baxter and Miss Gaskin had been drinking in the Brewery Gate before the attack.

Jewell was granted bail and the case was adjourned for sentencing until Friday, January 12.