Racist jibe directed at shop boss by drunk
A BARNSTAPLE man has been convicted of making a racist remark to a shopkeeper.
Malcolm Geall, 47, of Hughes Avenue, pleaded guilty at North Devon Magistrates' Court to racially harassing Elis Gurgur at the Londis store in Newport Road.
Magistrates heard that Geall said to Mrs Gurgur: "Go back to your own country you foreigner. You're too expensive."
For the prosecution, Chris Bittlestone said the incident took place on June 14 when Geall and his partner's son went to buy a bottle of vodka from the store.
Geall told his partner's son they should go to Tesco because it was cheaper. He was then heard making the remark.
In Mrs Gurgur's statement, which was read to the court by Mr Bittlestone, she said: "I was totally shocked by the remark.
"To be honest, I was scared he would be violent towards me or damage the shop. I would be very scared for my children if he came back in."
Mr Bittlestone said Mr Geall could not remember what happened as he had drunk "24 cans" that night.
Geall, who was defending himself, said he was ashamed by what had happened.
He said: "My partner's son had returned from Afghanistan, so we were celebrating.
"I had too much to drink. It is not a part of my character and I am ashamed for behaving that way."
Geall was fined £80 for the offence. He was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge. He was not made to pay costs.
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by roger hand, fuengirola spain
Tuesday, September 28 2010, 1:24AM
“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA0nM8l8onE”
by exmoor bouy, south molton
Saturday, September 25 2010, 5:30PM
“Old fart says "it winds me up something cronic actually"....dunno why because it really is nothing serious.....I am very interested as to how you think you know that there are posters on here from the B*P??? I think if you are going to make false accusations about people who have a different opinion to yours you should get your facts straight before someone retires on a compensation payout from your silly assumptions! Especially as its nothing serious and your always wrong...”
by exmoor bouy, south molton
Friday, September 24 2010, 7:56PM
“typical of old fart again.......jumping to conclusions to meet his own political shortfalls and understandings.
Then, he goes on to have the audacity to say people have the freedom of speech...unbelievable comment if Iv'e ever read one. practice what you preach old fart, and stop accusing people of being members of certain parties when clearly you have no idea about most things!”
by Old Fart @ play, Barum
Friday, September 24 2010, 7:43PM
“Erebus:
Firstly - calm down, you'll do yourself a mischief.
Secondly, unlike yourself, at least I post my comments under the same name, every time.
Thirdly, it is one thing to argue that Mr Geall has been the victim of political correctness, it is quite the other for the person saying this to be a member of a far-right political organisation renowned for it's racist views.
That's not my fault, rather the person concerned for not being very clever in retaining their anonymity - this is after all the internet age. Information is available about all sorts of people, you only have to look.
Obviously my comments have got on your nerves, for which I apologise but hey, that's freedom of speech for you.”
by Erebus, Bideford
Friday, September 24 2010, 7:20PM
“Old **** at Play said "Why does it matter if someone is a member of the BNP? - Personally I couldn't care less."
That has got to be just about the most disingenuous statement in this whole sorry thread.
You are obsessed with the BNP.
You introduced the BNP into this thread.
You accuse other posters of being BNP members and threaten to 'expose' them.
You insult anyone who you even think holds an opposing view.
If that doesn't work, you accuse anyone who doesn't agree with you of 'racism'.
You are as despicable as those who you accuse.
"Why does it matter if someone is a member of the BNP? - Personally I couldn't care less."
Don't make me laugh - it is the be all and end all of your existence on this thread! You ask for honesty in other posters and then hide yourself behind self righteous indignation.
If the NDJ have anything about them, they would shut this comments page down right now.”