Man handed suspended sentence for making “pig snorting noises” at hotel worker

News website, News North Wales, reports on the sentencing of a man who racially abused an Egyptian male, thinking he was a Muslim, and made “pig snorting noises” at him.

Michael Williams, 61, of Wrexham, was found guilty last month of racially aggravated harassment over incidents at The Royal Hotel in Llangollen between January and July 2016, where his victim, Zacariah Hannah worked.

Wrexham Magistrates Court heard Mr Williams had made a number of racially motivated comments at Mr Hannah, 42 including refusing to shake his hand because it was “against his religion” and spitting in the street. Mr Williams made “pig snorting noises” at Mr Hannah because of what he perceived was the victim’s Muslim background.

District Judge Gwyn Jones told Williams that he could impose a custodial sentence and that his actions were “unpleasant and racially motivated because of the victim’s perceived background.”

He said, Mr Hannah “ought not to be treated in this way and you have shown you can’t interact with another human being.”

Mr Williams was handed a 20-week suspended sentence and told to complete a 30-day rehabilitation requirement and undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.

Mr Williams was barred from contacting Mr Hannah or entering The Royal Hotel for four years and ordered to pay costs of £620, a victim surcharge of £115 and compensation to Mr Hannah of £300.