A man racially abused staff working for Ladbrokes after an argument over a bet.
Graham Kay, 53, was in Ladbrokes on Mill Lane in West Derby on Tuesday, April 19 when he started arguing with staff over a bet. At 5.15pm he rang the companies call centre, while he was still in the shop, and made racial slurs during the call.
The incident caused "distress" to staff and customers and it was reported to Merseyside Police the next day. Kay was later arrested and charged with racially aggravated malicious communications and racially aggravated public order.
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The 53-year-old of Cockerell Close, Kirkdale, pleaded guilty to the offences in Sefton Magistrates Court this week and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay compensation to the victim of his hate crime.
Detective Sergeant Tracy O’Hara said: “This was an appalling incident which happened in full view of other customers and staff, and society as a whole cannot tolerate such abusive behaviour and hateful comments in a public place. Kay made a full and frank admission and hopefully will now acknowledge the impact that this had on someone trying to do their job, and on those nearby.
"It will also serve as a deterrent to anyone who would consider behaving in such a way in Merseyside. Nobody should be expected to receive such abuse over the phone or in person, and we’re committed to taking action when such crimes are reported.”
More information on how to report hate crime can be found here: How to report hate crime | Merseyside Police. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
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