‘I’m proud to be a racist’
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR RESPONSE TO IN ETHNICITY QUESTION LANDS LOUT IN THE DOCK
A DRUNK shouted “I’m proud to be a racist” during a bizarre rant at police officers after he was arrested.
Aggressive Gary Johnson was getting booked into a police cell when he was asked to confirm his name, date of birth, address and ethnicity.
But, a court heard, instead of replying “English”, the 46-year-old launched into a racist tirade, telling the custody sergeant “Do I look like a f ****** p*** b ***** d to you?”.
Drunk Johnson, formerly of York Drive, in Wallsend, but now living on Quay View, in Willington Quay, then continued to mumble “fat p*** b ***** d” before announcing “I’m proud to be a racist”, prosecutors said.
Now, the smile has been wiped from his face after he was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence, which he pleaded guilty to during an appearance in custody at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor Iain Jordan said Johnson was arrested for a separate matter on April 4 and taken to Middle Engine Lane Police Station in Wallsend.
“The defendant was abusive towards officers and told them to f*** off,” Mr Jordan told the court.
“He was clearly drunk and, while in custody, he continued to be abusive and aggressive towards officers.
“While being booked into custody, the defendant was asked his ethnicity and, rather than saying English, he said ‘Do I look like a f ****** p*** b ***** d.”
Despite being warned about his behaviour, he continued to mumble “Fat p*** b ***** d”.
Mr Jordan said: “He then added that he was ‘proud to be a racist.’ All this behaviour was captured on camera in the station.”
The court was told Johnson was now remorseful for his behaviour and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
His solicitor, Mark Harrison, said: “It was a stupid, thoughtless response to being asked his ethnicity.
“Three months ago, he would not have been asked that question. It is only recently that that question now has to be asked at the police station and in court.”
Magistrates indicated that they would have fined Johnson but, because the offence was racially aggravated, they wanted the Probation Service to prepare a pre-sentence report with the view to giving him a community order.
Johnson was bailed for the report to be prepared.