A touchy-feely racist who spouted abuse at a stabbing scene in Swindon has been sentenced – despite not turning up to court.
Patrick Connors clutched a can of lager as he pestered police community support officers who were guarding a property in Seymour Road last summer.
A crime scene was in place ahead of forensic investigation work after two women were arrested when a man sustained knife wounds inside a house.
When Wiltshire 999s journalist Daniel Jae Webb arrived, Connors he turned his attention to him – expressing his excitement with repeated handshakes and attempted hugs.
For the most part the interaction was positive, but things took a turn for the worse when he told the reporter: “Get those black b******s out”.
When questioned about what he had said, he added: “Go into the police interviews… get those black c***s out”.
The comments, and his general behaviour at the crime scene, were caught on Daniel Jae Webb’s body-worn camera. Watch the video on Facebook >
The 44-year-old was later arrested and questioned over the incident, and was subsequently charged with a racially-aggravated breach of Section 5 of the Public Order Act.
District Judge Joanna Dickens found the offence proven in absence at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 25 February, after the defendant failed to attend for a second time.
Connors, of Western Street, was fined £150. He must also pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £60 court surcharge. A collection order was made.
Following sentencing, Daniel said: “Connors was initially very friendly and appeared excited to meet me. I was happy to speak to him and accept a handshake.
“But he took things too far, attempting to hug me on multiple occasions. Then out of the blue he made completely unacceptable racist comments about black people.
“Officers told him to move on many times due to his behaviour, however he remained present for some time – touching officers and I despite being asked to stop.”
