Teenager who abused Turkish takeaway worker fined

The Hereford Times reports on the sentencing of a teenager who racially abused a Turkish takeaway worker in Leominster on 18 September.

Jamie Lock, 18, pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence and a separate public order offence at Herefordshire Magistrates this week.

The court heard Lock had walked into Hot Flames takeaway shop in West Street, Leominster and started “using racially offensive words and swear words towards a member of staff, who was a Turkish national.”

The shop staff, who were upset at Lock’s behaviour called the police.

Lock was given a nine month conditional discharge on April 12 for a section 5 public order offence, and he admitted he had breached this.

In Lock’s defence, Philip Cornell, told the court the incident in September arose out of a “misunderstanding”.  Mr Cornell said: “He had a bit to drink. He is not a racist.”

The court heard Lock had asked for some salt in the shop and was allegedly told it would cost him £5.75. Mr Cornell said Lock then went outside but came in and gave the staff “a mouthful.” The owner of the shop then shouted at Lock, Cornell added.

Herefordshire Magistrates court fined Lock £120 for the racially aggravated offence and pronounced no separate penalty for the other public order offence. Lock was also fined £60 for breaching the conditional discharge imposed in April and ordered to pay £135 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.