Fined, man who blacked up at party
‘Mocked and humiliated’
A REVELLER who blacked up at a work Christmas do and sang an Al Jolson song in front of a black colleague was yesterday convicted of racially harassing her.
Brian Davies, 62, told Loretta Doyley he had a present for her – then appeared in costume from the controversial Black and White Minstrel Show, a court heard.
He danced around the table singing songs from the TV programme, with ‘the majority aimed’ at his black co-worker, magistrates were told.
Mrs Doyley left in tears, saying she felt purposely singled out, and Davies was later charged with racially aggravated harassment. Yesterday he was fined £120 for the offence.
Davies had organised the party for health workers from the Priory Group at a pub restaurant in Ely, Cardiff, in December.
He was captured on video in a boater hat, black gloves and white coat, singing songs such as Mammy, popularised by 1930s ‘blackface’ singer Al Jolson.
Giving evidence, Miss Doyley said: ‘I just felt really, really embarrassed. You were mocking me and you humiliated me in front of all the people.’
Davies insisted he did not realise the Black and White Minstrel Show had racist connotations. But magistrate Ken Horseman told him that his actions were ‘abusive and racially aggravated’.
Davies, of Barry, South Wales, was also ordered to pay £300 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.