The family of Marlon Thomas, who was left in a permanent vegetative state after a racist attack in 1994, are calling for justice to be served on the 30th anniversary of the incident. Marlon was attacked on Durdham Downs, Bristol, by a group of fairground workers who beat him so badly that he suffered severe brain damage and now requires around-the-clock care. His brother, Leroy Thomas, who goes by the stage name Rudey Lee, has released a record featuring tracks by Bristol musicians, including trip hop group Smith and Mighty, in tribute to his brother and attempts to draw attention back to his case.
Leroy hopes to raise more awareness about the brutal attack that shattered his brother’s life and in the process highlight the destructive impact of racial violence on people’s lives. The music featuring on the record was released on Saturday to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the attack and bring Marlon’s story back into the public eye. He believes that the care agency overseeing his brother’s care must be closely watched to avoid any errors that could have a detrimental impact on his well-being, as he remains totally dependent on others for support.
According to reports, Marlon was the eldest of the group of young people who were attacked, all of whom were black and were beaten up by a large group of white youths. Judge Shirley Anne Lloyd at the trial of his attackers described Marlon as living in a “constant living death”. In the aftermath of the incident, Leroy launched a campaign for justice for his brother, revealing that the family has experienced no peace and that Marlon “is still suffering every day.” The attackers were eventually charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and were sentenced to a total of 20 and a half years in prison, which was subsequently increased by the High Court.
Although justice was served in terms of punishing the perpetrators, the family continues to seek justice in the form of reparations for Marlon’s ongoing suffering. Leroy’s new record is an attempt to shed light on the ongoing pain, trauma, and injustice that continues to be experienced by the Thomas family
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