Woman fined for abuse of Muslim cabbie

The Stoke Sentinel reports on a fine imposed on a woman who racially abused a Muslim taxi driver over a fare dispute last month.

Mohammed Rafique collected a Angela Meakin, 42, and two other passengers from Ash Inn in Mow Cop on 22 July. When Mr Rafique charged the cost of the taxi ride a dispute broke out and Meakin uttered words of racial abuse at the taxi driver.

Mr Rafique called the police and an attending officer heard Ms Meakin use racist language when referring to the driver.

Appearing before magistrates court this week, Ms Meakin pleaded guilty to racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

The court heard she suffered from mental health problems and unwisely consumed alcohol on the night of the incident.

Acting for Ms Meakin, Becky Dulson told the court “She cannot believe she finds herself in this position today. She offers her remorse to the court and the taxi driver.”

North Staffordshire Magistrates court fined Meakin £140 and also ordered her to pay £135 costs and a £30 surcharge.