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Weirdo Mosher Freak: The murder of Sophie Lancaster
Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend Robert Maltby were brutally attacked in a park in Bacup, Lancashire, in the summer of 2007. Thirteen days later, Sophie died from the injuries she sustained after being kicked and stamped on. Five teenagers admitted the attack on Rob. One 15-year-old admitted to Sophie's murder while another denied the offence and was convicted after a trial. The only justification for the attack was that both Sophie and Robert followed an alternative lifestyle as teenage witnesses said they were attacked because they were 'Moshers'. The murder made international news. The book has been written by local journalist Catherine Smyth who was the first reporter on the scene, and followed the case closely. It is written from her perspective as a journalist, as a mother and as a resident. This is an updated version of the original 2010 book Weirdo Mosher Freak. Contains photographs. Sales of the book benefit The Sophie Lancaster Foundation.
- GenresNonfiction
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2020
50 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 2, 2022
Brutally honest account of a murder that shocked the world.
I live not far from Stubbylee park,where Sophie was murdered and Rob severely injured. I have read Catherine's stories in the local newspaper so this book was something I felt I needed to read. Harrowing details, a real sense of disbelief, and the need for justice, and the good to come out of this shine through the book. Bacup is improving, but there is still much work to be done. The Sophie Lancaster foundation is working to promote individuality and Stamp Out Prejudice Hatred Intolerance Everywhere. Yet so much is still to be done here also. A book that is hard to read but very worthwhile.
I live not far from Stubbylee park,where Sophie was murdered and Rob severely injured. I have read Catherine's stories in the local newspaper so this book was something I felt I needed to read. Harrowing details, a real sense of disbelief, and the need for justice, and the good to come out of this shine through the book. Bacup is improving, but there is still much work to be done. The Sophie Lancaster foundation is working to promote individuality and Stamp Out Prejudice Hatred Intolerance Everywhere. Yet so much is still to be done here also. A book that is hard to read but very worthwhile.
January 8, 2023
This was a very emotional read that carried such a powerful message.
I have always been interested in true crime and already knew a fair bit about this case; I watched the BBC documentary, Murdered for being different, not long after it was released.
This book, however, revealed new facts and information that I didn't know about and its just such a shame that everything the Sophie Lancaster Foundation has, and is doing, still hasn't reached some peoples conscious...
The fact that the hate crime rate has only gone up over the years since Sophie and Robs attack is appalling; I don't think I will ever understand what drives people to do such things to another person.
I think it's absolutely disgusting that even after such a horrendous act of violence, similar acts are still occurring now! People don't seem to care about anyone but themselves, and they clearly don't think about how they would feel if it was their loved one who was attacked.
I am a part of the alternative subculture and although I have never been abused for it I am still cautious when I leave the house because I can't be sure if or when I will bump into someone who has an issue with me expressing my individuality. For years, I used to dress normally to hide my true self because I was scared of being different, but now I embrace my quirkiness and uniqueness; I don't want to be 'normal' like everyone else, I want to be myself and be what makes me happy.
I have always been interested in true crime and already knew a fair bit about this case; I watched the BBC documentary, Murdered for being different, not long after it was released.
This book, however, revealed new facts and information that I didn't know about and its just such a shame that everything the Sophie Lancaster Foundation has, and is doing, still hasn't reached some peoples conscious...
The fact that the hate crime rate has only gone up over the years since Sophie and Robs attack is appalling; I don't think I will ever understand what drives people to do such things to another person.
I think it's absolutely disgusting that even after such a horrendous act of violence, similar acts are still occurring now! People don't seem to care about anyone but themselves, and they clearly don't think about how they would feel if it was their loved one who was attacked.
I am a part of the alternative subculture and although I have never been abused for it I am still cautious when I leave the house because I can't be sure if or when I will bump into someone who has an issue with me expressing my individuality. For years, I used to dress normally to hide my true self because I was scared of being different, but now I embrace my quirkiness and uniqueness; I don't want to be 'normal' like everyone else, I want to be myself and be what makes me happy.
August 20, 2023
*** *I'm reviewing the paperback not the kindle edition****
I remember this case well as Sophie shared my name so it stuck with me at the time.
Sophie was murdered and her boyfriend Rob left with life changing injuries after a heinous attack by a group of five what I can only call shithouses.
Catherine Smyth's idea was to write this book to try and highlight the issue of youth violence and to attempt to help reduce such instances in future. Sadly however, there will always be these pieces of shit that place no value on human life and find it funny to maim, injure or murder another human being.
The writing here is pretty provincial and basic (despite Smyth's journalistic background) hence only 3 stars for quality. The story however needs to be told. Sadly however, I don't think it will change anything significantly. People are still targeted because of their looks, their gender, their sexuality or for simply saying the wrong thing or bumping into a piece of shit. The world is a dark dark place.
1/3 of the proceeds of the sale of this tangible book go towards the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.
I remember this case well as Sophie shared my name so it stuck with me at the time.
Sophie was murdered and her boyfriend Rob left with life changing injuries after a heinous attack by a group of five what I can only call shithouses.
Catherine Smyth's idea was to write this book to try and highlight the issue of youth violence and to attempt to help reduce such instances in future. Sadly however, there will always be these pieces of shit that place no value on human life and find it funny to maim, injure or murder another human being.
The writing here is pretty provincial and basic (despite Smyth's journalistic background) hence only 3 stars for quality. The story however needs to be told. Sadly however, I don't think it will change anything significantly. People are still targeted because of their looks, their gender, their sexuality or for simply saying the wrong thing or bumping into a piece of shit. The world is a dark dark place.
1/3 of the proceeds of the sale of this tangible book go towards the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.
November 17, 2023
This book was so heartbreaking to read. I rember Sophie’s story from when it happened on tv as I followed it all the way to the trail. This book was so sad to read as you heard the horrific details that Sophie and Rob went though and I feel so so sorri for Rob as he got to live his life with out his soul mate. To hear about Sophie in hospital and all her injuries was so heartbreaking you wouldn’t think people could do that to another human being. The people that carried out this attack are just evil people and they deserved the justice they got and the prison sentences but I don’t agree with that some of the killer are out of person they should still be locked up. Sophie’s family and friends went though a lot after her death and they always tryed to but on a brave face and keep Sophie’s memory alive which is so amazing to see. I am saddened by the death of Sophie’s mum but least she is back with her beautiful daughter in heaven. This was such a violent and vicious attack on two people that should never of happened let alone end in murder xxx
August 24, 2025
As someone who grew up in Bacup, and lived there at the time of Sophie and Rob’s attack this book feels almost like a crucial part of history that everyone should have a copy of and that everyone should read.
This book is factual and to the point which perfectly represents the style of the author Catherine Smyth whom I have known for many years. While Catherine does share opinions and personal feelings throughout the book (how could you not in such an emotive case) she does ultimately focus on the facts of the case and the response of the public.
The ebook version I read had minor spelling and formatting mistakes however they were minor and did not impact the ability to clearly read and understand the narrative. This version had an update from 2023. The 20th anniversary of Sophie’s passing will be in 2027, I would be intrigued to see another update at that time.
This book is factual and to the point which perfectly represents the style of the author Catherine Smyth whom I have known for many years. While Catherine does share opinions and personal feelings throughout the book (how could you not in such an emotive case) she does ultimately focus on the facts of the case and the response of the public.
The ebook version I read had minor spelling and formatting mistakes however they were minor and did not impact the ability to clearly read and understand the narrative. This version had an update from 2023. The 20th anniversary of Sophie’s passing will be in 2027, I would be intrigued to see another update at that time.
August 1, 2023
Not an easy read, true crime, some of the details were horrific, and tbh I wish I didn’t now know them. It’s written by a journalist who lived there at the time so has a personal and a social view of the events in the town, and the effect on the townspeople before and after the murder. Decent, but short. I did it in about 4 hours one afternoon. The book canbe quite upsetting but is also uplifting in places when you read about how the community came together afterwards in support of the victim and survivor.
September 17, 2024
This book, has touched something so deeply in my soul. I thought I knew so much about this case, and the foundation, but this book brought such a raw, beautiful experience into the mix and I honestly have been bawling my eyes out since I finished reading.
As an alternative person, the fear that both Sophie and Rob felt; resonates with me deeply. It is a fear that I have unfortunately felt, and I just cannot thank Catherine enough for amplifying the voices of those who may be too afraid to make some noise.
As an alternative person, the fear that both Sophie and Rob felt; resonates with me deeply. It is a fear that I have unfortunately felt, and I just cannot thank Catherine enough for amplifying the voices of those who may be too afraid to make some noise.
January 21, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
super interesting to include the original timeline of the case and court transcripts. it included a lot of details that i didn’t know about the case.
however, i didn’t realise the author is NOT related to any of the victims/ their families. some things she said were very me me me rather details about the case, victims, perpetrators, etc.
also the author is an actual real life journalist, which i found shocking as the writing style is quite basic.
super interesting to include the original timeline of the case and court transcripts. it included a lot of details that i didn’t know about the case.
however, i didn’t realise the author is NOT related to any of the victims/ their families. some things she said were very me me me rather details about the case, victims, perpetrators, etc.
also the author is an actual real life journalist, which i found shocking as the writing style is quite basic.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews