Man racially abused Polish Doorman at Club in Newtown, fined £916

David Jones appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court last week, where he admitted a charge of causing Piotr Olba racially aggravated harassment on April 9 this year.

The court heard on Tuesday, September 19, that Jones had sworn at Mr Olba, a polish man who has lived in the UK for nearly 20 years, and told him to “go back to his own country”.

Mr Olba, who works as a bouncer at 23 Social, said he had only been subjected to racial abuse twice in his 18 years living here – and that Jones had been the aggressor on both occasions.

Prosectuor Helen Tench said the victim – who has been a bouncer for eight years, of which two have been at 23 Social, had experienced a previous issue with 37-year-old Jones about 12 months ago.

“On this occasion the defendant tried to gain entry to the premises and Mr Olba said he was banned,” she said.

“He began shouting abuse. He told him ‘Get back to your own country’. The victim walked inside because he couldn’t take any more abuse.

“The defendant continued shouting. The victim says he was very polite to him.”

The police were called and arrested Jones.

“Nicola Allen heard him (Jones) call him (Mr Olba) a Polish ****,” said Mrs Tench.

“PC Wright spoke with the defendant and said it was clear the victim had been caused distress. He (Jones) was described as argumentative and clearly intoxicated.

“He told police ‘I’m well within my rights to say that’.”

He denied using the swearword and insisted Mr Olba had been “in his face”.

Reading from a victim impact statement provided by Mr Olba, Mrs Tench said: “I felt very upset. I have only experienced racial abuse twice, both times from this male.

“I have lived in the UK for 18 years and have never been spoken to like that. I work hard and do not expect to be treated like this.”

Acting for Jones, of no fixed abode following a recent relationship break-up, Owain Jones said: “He didn’t use the word **** but admits the racist comments.

“He never tried to enter the premises, he was passing by. He admitted the offence immediately and offered an apology in interview.

“He is remorseful and knows this is wrong. It was fuelled by alcohol, but this was the first time he had drunk alcohol in 12 months.”

Probation officer Julian Davies interviewed father-of-three Jones and told the court he had been drinking with friends, watching football, having drunk about six pints in all.

“He is extremely embarrassed by his actions and regrets what he’s done,” he said. “I do feel he was trying to justify his actions though and believe he has issues with victim awareness.”

Magistrates fined Jones £916, which was uplifted due to the racial element of the offence.

He must also pay a £366 surcharge and £85 costs. They ordered no compensation as they felt this might exacerbate the situation.

Source – Country Times