A FORMER Archway School pupil was brutally attacked and killed in London at the weekend in what police are calling a homophobic hate-crime.

Jody Dobrowski, 24, was found unconscious on Clapham Common early on Saturday morning but died in hospital after suffering severe head, neck and facial injuries in a barbaric assault, which shocked police and made national headlines.

Jody's heartbroken mother, Sheri Dobrowski, told the SNJ on Monday: "Whoever did this must be brought to justice so it doesn't happen to anyone else.

"I'm sure Jody would like to see justice served but I don't think he would want revenge."

On Monday evening, family members laid flowers at the spot where Jody was attacked after leaving a friend's house near the common on Friday night.

"Going there was about cleansing the spot really, to help make it beautiful again," said Mrs Dobrowski, 47.

She described her son as caring, thoughtful and pragmatic by nature. "Jody was a very kind soul. He was rational, very logical, very calm and kind," she said.

"He had a strong sense of right and wrong and could never understand why people lost their tempers and shouted if they could discuss things rationally."

Just weeks before his death, Jody was promoted to entertainment and show manager at the Jongleurs comedy club in Camden.

He had recently moved into a new flat near Canary Wharf, and things were on the up.

Born in Stroud, Jody was a Five Valleys lad through and through. He attended Whiteshill Primary School before going on to Archway and then sixth form, where he achieved strong GCSE and A-level grades.

He was intelligent and popular at school and known for his caring nature. Rick Rutter, Archway deputy head, said: "He was clearly an able student who mixed very well with others - he would help anyone.

"People here who knew him have said what a really sad loss this is to society in general as he was a really pleasant and really nice guy."

Jody worked at the Ship Inn in Framilode, near Stroud between school and going to Cardiff University to study micro-biology.

He left university after two years to pursue a more vocational path, working for the Bar Risa/Jongleurs chain.

Kris Atkins, 24, a best friend from primary and secondary school, spoke of the enduring positive impression Jody left on people. "He was a people's man, always there for everyone," he said.

"He was a really caring guy - even people who only met him once or twice will remember him.

Kris was among a group of Jody's school friends who met up on Monday night to remember their former classmate.

"All his friends want to pass on their regards to his family. We are all thinking of them at this time," he said.

*Three teenagers - two 17-year-olds and a 13-year-old - were arrested on Monday in connection with the attack. They have been released on bail until November.

* If anyone would like to share their thoughts about Jody please email the SNJ at snjnews@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk Comments will be posted on our website at www.thisistroud.com

Comments received so far:

*This is such a devastating waste of a truly wonderful guy. I've not seen Jody much since I left school. He was one of the good ones.

I always hoped I would bump into when back in Stroud. I cant think of anyone that didn't like Jody. My memories of him are mostly funny ones with loads of laughing involved.

I am so sorry this has happened. He was a really special person who just shouldn't have been taken away.

Kathryn Bayly

*I knew Jody well at school he was always a fun loving out going guy who always had a smile. I was shocked and appalled when I heard of his brutal murder the weekend just passed.

No one deserves to leave this world in that way especially someone like Jody. Although I have not seen him for a good few years I remember him like it was only yesterday.

The last time I saw him he was full of joy like he so often was, we were in what was stroud bus station if I remember correctly talking about what was going to be his new life , all was on the up and up.

I'd like to pass my sincere sorrow and sadness to his family especially his mum, dad and brother Jake who I also knew well from my Archway days with Jody.

My thoughts are with them all in what must be a very difficult time. One thing you can be sure of is he'll never be forgotten.

Respectfully, David Bayley-Ryan

*I was at Archway with Jodi and like the entire nation, I am horrified and shocked by this devastating unprovoked attack.

He was such a popular guy, who will be remembered as being extremely kind natured, intelligent, sweet and funny...always making people laugh.

As well as being missed by his family and many friends, without a doubt Jodi is also in the thoughts of hundreds of people who new him at Archway.

My sincere condolences go to his family and close friends.

Lizzie Mellish