3 Sentenced to 30 Days for Hate Crime : Courts: They plead guilty to that charge and to assault and battery in attacking a man on the street because he was gay.

WESTMINSTER — Three men were each sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years’ probation after pleading guilty to committing a hate crime and assaulting a man because he is gay, prosecutors said Thursday.

Christopher Anthony Corona, 18, and Jerry Michael VanDeVort and Gary James Sullivan, both 19, also were ordered to complete a sensitivity training program about sexual orientation after they pleaded guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor charges of assault, battery and committing a hate crime.

The charges stem from a Nov. 4 incident that began when the victim--whose name is not being disclosed--hugged a male friend goodby as the pair stood outside a Stanton bar, then walked alone to his car parked nearby.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Tom Glazier said the defendants got out of their car and confronted the victim, who was then chased, kicked and struck while the men made anti-gay remarks. Two security guards saw the attack, helped the victim and detained the defendants as they tried to flee, Glazier said.

Misdemeanor charges were filed because the victim was not seriously injured, Glazier said.

“It’s especially offensive when three assault one,” Glazier commented. “It’s that wolf-pack mentality.”

Sullivan’s defense attorney declined to discuss the case and representatives for the two remaining defendants did not return telephone calls seeking comment late Thursday.