A gay couple were told they would 'burn in hell' during a violent homophobic attack in Manchester city centre.

David Bailey, 18, and Ashley Roberts, 19, have both been locked up after the couple were punched and kicked near Piccadilly station.

The vile abuse started after the pair, both from Stoke-on-Trent, noticed the couple who were holding hands.

During the incident, the victims were told 'you will burn in hell', while one said 'it's disgusting'.

They were followed near to the station when one said 'give me £20 or I will kill you'.

(Image: GMP)

Both men were then attacked.

Bailey and Roberts have now both been sentenced to 32 months in a young offender institution.

"They were perfectly entitled to walk as they were, hand in hand," Judge Suzanne Goddard QC told the pair.

"Your behaviour was wholly unacceptable that night."

Manchester Crown Court heard that the one of the couple had been working at a bar in Piccadilly Gardens, and his partner joined him there before leaving in the early hours of August 3 last year.

(Image: GMP)

They were shouted at by a group after going to the Spar shop in Piccadilly Gardens, and as they moved towards the station they came across Bailey and Roberts, who were also with others.

The couple were subjected to homophobic abuse including remarks such as 'you will burn in hell', and 'it's disgusting'.

Soon after, demands for money were made.

Both men were attacked, with punches and kicks being thrown.

The court heard minor injuries were inflicted.

One man's glasses and mobile phone were damaged.

Police were called and Bailey and Roberts were both arrested.

Defending Bailey, Paul Bryning said the defendant 'didn't start' the incident but he accepted involving himself in it.

Mr Bryning said Bailey was 18 and 'young and immature' at the time, and that alcohol was a factor.

"He is appalled at what he has done," Mr Byrning said.

"He is clearly somebody who doesn't think when in drink."

For Roberts, Harriet Tighe said he is remorseful for his actions, and that he has abstained from alcohol since the incident.

The judge said it was a 'great shame' that Roberts, who was in full time work, had allowed himself to become involved.

Bailey, of Bambury Street, Stoke-on-Trent, and Roberts, of Trevithick Close, Stoke-on-Trent, both pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted robbery.