Man who abused takeaway staff stands trial

The Exmouth Journal reports on the trial of a man who racially abused staff at a takeaway shop in Exmouth town centre calling them “foreigners” and “using a word which suggested they were of Pakistani origin.”

Samuel Tigwell, 25, appeared at Exeter Crown Court via video link from Portland Prison where he is currently serving a two year sentence for threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend.

The court heard Tigwell was passed out drunk in the centre of Exmouth on April 25, when he was woken up by a concerned passer-by.

The court heard Tigwell awoke only to walk into a fast food shop and start racially abusing the staff.

Staff at the takeaway shop called police who found Tigwell in possession of a knife.

Paul Grumbar, defending, told the court Tigwell was “completely out of it” and “did not represent a danger to anyone because he was so drunk he did not know where he was.”

Tigwell admitted racially aggravated threatening behaviour and possession of a knife.

Recorder Mr Donald Tait adjourned the case for sentencing next week. Tigwell will again appear before the court via video link.