Man fined for abusing Muslim security guard at Luton restaurant

Local newspaper, Bedfordshire on Sunday, reports on the sentencing of a man who verbally abused a Muslim security guard at a Luton based restaurant leaving the victim “fearful of further attacks”.

Anthony O’Farrell, 45, appeared before Luton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 5 for using racially and religiously aggravated words intended to cause harassment, alarm or distress and possession of a Class B drug in connection with the incident which happened on 18 December 2016.

The court heard O’Farrell had been drinking heavily before entering the restaurant on George Street in Luton where the unnamed 21-year-old victim worked as a security guard.

 O’Farrell subjected the victim to “threatening and abusive words” related to the victim’s Muslim identity.

When O’Farrell was arrested later the same morning, police found him in possession of a small amount of cannabis.

O’Farrell pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered by the court to pay a £1,665 fine and £85 in compensation to the victim.

Dedicated Hate Crime Sergeant James Hart, of Bedfordshire Police said the court’s judgement “sends out a strong message to others that Bedfordshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts adopt a zero tolerance approach to this type of behaviour.”

He said the incident had been “extremely distressing” for the victim leaving him “fearful of further attacks.”

Sergeant James Hart, added: “We hope this case will encourage others who have experienced Islamophobia or other hate crimes to come forward and report them. These types of incidents have a long-lasting impact, so it’s important people feel confident to speak to the authorities about such incidents so a positive way forward can be established.”