Racist drunk made threats to slit people’s throats
A MAN has been jailed after using racist language and threats towards people in a train station car park, before he later insulted a police officer.
Terry Powell was “visibly drunk” in the car park of Matlock Bath railway station as he threatened to slit people’s throats if they came near him.
Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court heard he was also shouting disgusting abuse at people, including children, as they queued up to buy tickets. Powell also spat on the ground near their feet.
The 42-year-old repeatedly shouted racist language to the crowd and punched a metal sign, later shouting “don’t come near me, I have got a knife”.
The court heard statements from witnesses saying that Powell’s behaviour had left them feeling nervous.
On August 23, Powell, of Mansfield Road, Derby, then assaulted a friend who had invited him over for a social drink, forcing her to grab his wrists so he would stop, prosecutor Peter Bettany said.
Powell also insulted and threatened a police officer.
Alison Lawrence, defending, said that Powell had “a long and sorry relationship with alcohol” and had no memory of the assault on his friend, but had since stopped drinking completely in an attempt to turn his life around.
She said: “It is quite clear he is going to need support to remain alcohol-free. He is horrified by his behaviour, he accepts that he was completely and utterly out of order.
“If this man can get sober and straightened out then he can become a useful member of society again.”
Powell pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault, one charge of racially aggravated harassment and once charge of racially aggravated fear or provocation.
Maggie Tate, chair of the magistrate bench, sentenced Powell to 22 weeks in custody with a surcharge of £128.
She said: “My colleague and I feel that these vile racial offences have passed the custodial threshold. You caused alarm and distress to a large group of the general public.
“Your behaviour at a police station was equally reprehensible. We feel your offences pass the custodial threshold.”