Man who abused Pakistani family on holiday given suspended sentence
Categories: Latest News
Monday January 30 2017
News website, Kent Live reported in October on a man who was sentenced for racially abusing a family and assaulting a police officer at a beach in Swalecliffe near Whitstable.
John Hermitage, 36, had been drinking when he was seen by two police community support officers (PCSOs) racially abusing a family on the beach on 23 August 2016. As Hermitage was being arrested, he spat at one of the officers.
Hermitage admitted causing racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress and assaulting a police officer when he appeared before Thanet Magistrates Court in October 2016.
The court sentenced Hermitage to 90 days in prison, suspended for a year for the racially aggravated offence. He was given a concurrent 60 day sentence for the assault on the police officer, also suspended for a year.
Hermitage was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115, £85 costs and £100 in compensation.
PC Jamie Weale said: “Understandably the family, who were on holiday in the area, were very shocked and upset by his behaviour.”
Kent Police recently confirmed via a Freedom of Information request that the offender had been abusive towards a Pakistani family.