Woman jailed for racist rant at housing officer
AWOMAN has been jailed for six months after a “disgraceful” racist rant at a housing officer that ended in her kicking a police officer in the chest.
Marie Riddle launched into an extended tirade at housing officer Karman Aziz when he came out to see about a repair at her home.
When police were called to the scene, the 52-year-old assaulted a police officer by kicking her to the body.
Procurator fiscal depute Danielle McGuinness told Glasgow Sheriff Court about the events of October 11 this year at Riddle’s home in Cadder.
The incident happened around 3.30pm when two housing workers visited the property to look at access issues she was having.
McGuinness said: “The accused was under the influence and extremely irate about the problems in her property.”
The prosecutor said Riddle then began a “continuous rant” with the words “f ****** black b ****** ”, “go back to your own country” and “I’ll stab you”.
The victim attempted to move away but she followed him.
Police attended and she was still shouting “black b ****** ”.
McGuinness added: “She was continually warned regarding her conduct.
“While being placed in the police vehicle the accused moved her right foot and kicked the police officer, striking her to the chest.”
Riddle, who the court heard is the mother of two adult children, was cautioned and charged and made no reply.
She was taken to a police station and was in custody before her appearance at court.
Her defence brief said: “It’s fair to say there is a record.
“She has found this period in custody very difficult and she does not downplay the seriousness of this matter. “She has a stable address and has been living in it for a period of time.
“She is very remorseful, it has to be said. She has limited recollection because she was under the influence of alcohol and illicit diazepam.
“She had a fall a number of years ago and told she might never walk again. She lives with constant pain.”
Sheriff Vincent Lunny said: “I’m not persuaded there is any alternative to custody given her record.
“Despite a very thorough plea of mitigation, which almost satisfied me, this is your fourth racial offence.”
The sheriff also noted that Riddle had three previous convictions for assaulting emergency service workers.
He added: “Your behaviour towards the housing officer was disgraceful.
“No-one deserves to be at their work and be abused in this way due to the colour of their skin.”
Riddle was sentenced to six months in prison, reduced from eight months, and backdated to October 12.