Man admits racist abuse after telling taxi driver to 'go back to your own country' in row over fareA man found himself in court after racially insulting a taxi driver after a row over the fare home from Exeter.
David Shaw, 50, admitted shouting and swearing at Ruhallah Maitar after a dispute over the price of a ride home from the city to Exminster last year.
He admitted telling the man to go back to his own country during an argument at his doorstep after a night out.
Shaw, of Old Quarry Drive, refused to pay the £19.50 fare, insisting the driver had quoted him a lesser figure, of £14.50, and reneged on the deal.
The offended driver called the police who attended the scene on November 21.
Prosecutor Shaun Tipton said Shaw had been drinking and refused to allow officers into his home, telling them the only way they would gain entry was to "call the riot police".
Mr Tipton said Mr Maitar, a British citizen, had "tried to remain polite" but was angry at being subjected to racist abuse.
He added: "He had never been abused before in this country except for one incident at school and he is still upset.
"I believe this to be a racist incident which has had an impact on the victim, a family man with children."
Shaw, who is unemployed, pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence at Exeter Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Defence solicitor Peter Seigne said his client was ashamed of his behaviour, particularly given that he has suffered homophobic abuse personally.
He said a price had been agreed and a different amount was suggested, something Mr Maitar strongly contests.
"He began shouting, arguing, swearing and, regrettably, he said the remark about 'going back to your own country'," Mr Seigne added.
"It is absolutely not an excuse but he had been drinking and was under the influence.
"He himself has suffered from homophobic issues, he knows what it feels like to be discriminated against and have insulting remarks called out based on sexuality and ethnicity so he is aware how Mr Maitar might have felt.
"It is a matter of regret to him, in the past we have discussed the possibility of writing a letter of apology.
"He accepts his behaviour was beyond the pale. He is not a racist – he told me he is asmahed oh himself and holds his hands up.
"At the time of the incident he was suffering with anxiety and depression and had problems with the neighbours."
Magistrates handed Shaw a conditional discharge for nine months.
He was also ordered him to pay Mr Maitar compensation of £39 for the unpaid fare and a victim surcharge of £15, totalling £54.
The chairman of the bench said: "We do find that there is a racial element which is an aggravating factor – the taxi driver was just doing his job."
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