Man fined for abusing Muslim taxi driver

Categories: Latest News
Monday June 13 2016
The Grantham Journal reports on a fine imposed on a young man who abused a taxi driver claiming he was refused a ride because the driver was “a f****** Muslim”.
Jordan Doyle, 22, appeared before Grantham Magistrates Court charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.
The court heard Doyle had got into a cab in Market Place at around 3am on 15 May. Doyle had asked the driver if he was a Muslim. The driver, offended by the remark, got out of the cab and approached officers telling them a man was being abusive and refused to leave his cab.
Doyle was recorded on a police bodycam telling officers “I will tell you why he did not take me. It’s because he is a f****** Muslim. He has not taken me because I am Christian and he is a Muslim.”
Prosecutor Hannah Strawson told the court Doyle continued shouting and was arrested by officers. In a police interview he admitted his behaviour was “inappropriate” but denied being racist.
The court heard Doyle had drunk too much alcohol that night. His lawyer, Rob Arthur, told the court: “He was caught making comments by an officer wearing a bodycam. He wants to stress he is in no way xenophobic or racist.”
Grantham Magistrates fined Doyle £80 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £30.