By Shayna Jacobs
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — A Queens man pleaded guilty Tuesday to punching the bartender at a gay bar in the West Village while spouting an anti-gay and racist rant. He is expected to serve prison time.
Frederic Guinta, 25, was charged with attacking bartender Greg Davis, 38, at Julius Bar on West 10th Street on Oct. 11, 2010.
Earlier that day, Guinta also tried to steal a patron's wallet at Ty's bar at 114 Christopher St., he admitted Tuesday.
The bartender has spoken out about the incident alongside the city's LGBT advocates including City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and State Senator Thomas Duane.
"He could really hurt someone," Davis said on Oct. 19. "I was absolutely determined to do what small part I could to get him off the street."
It was the third in a string of alleged hate crimes last year committed in the West Village.
The Manhattan DA's Hate Crimes Unit handled the case and the assault was charged as a hate crime. A hate crime conviction carries extra prison time under New York State law.
Guinta is scheduled to be sentenced on March 8. He was promised a sentence of three and a half years in prison by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Bonnie Wittner.
