|
Racist tirade in taxi office
By Wendy Barlow
A MAN launched into racist abuse in a taxi office after being told he would have to wait for a cab.
Francis Peter Hargreaves, 50, was abusive to the owner and kicked and banged the door and walls after being told he would have to wait, Burnley Magistrates heard.
When police arrived they found a 64-year-old woman, who had fled into a back room, visibly shaken and distressed after witnessing the abuse. She had been worried violence would erupt.
continued...
Hargreaves, who surfaces roads, later told officers he had drunk at least 15 cans of lager before going out into the town centre and was "as drunk as a skunk."
He told the court he was disgusted by his behaviour.
The defendant, who has a record for racial crime, could have ended up being classed as a risk to the public, but the bench said the previous offences were some time ago and they did not consider him dangerous.
Hargreaves, of Rushton Close, Nelson, admitted using racially aggravated threats, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, on October 28.
He was bailed until December 5, for a pre-sentence report. The bench said the offence was aggravated by the fact he put the woman in fear and were considering a community order.
Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said at just after 10pm, Hargreaves and another man went into Alpine Taxis on Church Street, Colne.
After being told a taxi would be 20 minutes, he became abusive and was still being offensive when police arrived.
Geoff Ireland, defending, said Hargreaves's last offence was four years ago and the racial offences six-and-a-half years ago.
He had been so drunk he could not be processed at the police station until the next morning.
Mr Ireland said: "He got wound up. He says his behaviour was pathetic."
_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin
|
Login
Register
FAQ
