Dallas Airport’s Antigay Attacker Fined Less Than $500

The man arrested for an antigay attack at a Texas airport last year has received his punishment: a fine that totals less than $500.

McCleish Christmas Benham, 28, made headlines last October after a viral YouTube video captured his drunken tirade at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

On October 23, the Tennessee native assaulted a waiting passenger and used homophobic slurs toward him, and had to be restrained by onlookers, who tackled Benham. He was led away by airport security, and later faced Class C misdemeanor charges of public intoxication and simple assault.

Although Benham yelled numerous antigay slurs, including "queers" and "f****t," before kicking a passenger in the groin, police did not pursue hate-crime charges. Another passenger may also have sustained a broken ankle in the ensuing melee.

The Dallas Morning News reports that Benham ultimately received a fine of $474 for his actions: $212 for public intoxication and $262 for the assault. He is not required to serve any jail time.

According to the local court administrator Cindy Etaki, after Benham's arrest, he "posted a cash bond and signed a conditional plea of nolo contendere," which is an agreement to not contest charges if the defendant does not appear in court.