Two charged over alleged racial incident at taxi rank

The Surrey Mirror reports on the trial date set for two men charged with racially aggravated threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and criminal damage following an altercation at a taxi rank in Reigate on 5 March.

Jack Armstrong, 23, and Elliot Butler, 21, are accused of racially aggravated offences against Muhammed Khan and Mohammed Khalid.

Redhill Magistrates Court heard that the Armstrong and Butler approached taxi drivers at the rank on the night of 5 March. When taxi drivers refused to carry the pair, one of them allegedly threw a pizza inside a waiting taxi while the other allegedly threw a bottle of Coke at a driver.

The prosecution further alleges “one or both of them got on top of the taxis and jumped up and down on them.” A silver Fiat is one of the cars claimed to have been damaged in the incident.

The prosecution has charged both offences as racially aggravated.

Both men have denied using any racial language. Mr Armstrong admitted swearing and Mr Butler admitted kicking the car’s front but denied he caused any damage.

Both men entered not guilty pleas.

A trial date has been set at Redhill Magistrates court for July 27.