Drunken Dad Who Tried To Knock Off Sikh Man’s Turban Is Spared Jail
Posted: 15 Dec 2015 06:50 AM PST
A drunken dad has been warned he could’ve been jailed after trying to knock off a shop worker’s turban – leaving his victim feeling he was the target of a racist attack.
Michael Birrell lashed out at Harpreet Singh after being told he wouldn’t be served at VG Food Store, in Brighton Parade, Hebburn, unless he took his pet dog out of the store.
The 38-year-old initially agreed to take the animal outside – but tempers flared up again when he compared the victim’s mother to a dog.
When Mr Singh again refused to serve Birrell the bottle of vodka he grabbed his wrist and tugged his turban before fleeing the store.
The flashpoint was caught on CCTV and police were swiftly alerted – with repentant Birrell arrested at the scene of the crime when he went back to the store soon after as officers were still taking Mr Singh’s statement.
Birrell admitted a charge of assault at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, with magistrates told by prosecutor Glenda Beck that it was not believed the incident was racially-motivated.
But in a statement read out in court, Mr Singh said he felt ‘targeted’ because he is a Sikh.
Birrell, of Torquay Parade, Hebburn, was blasted for his ‘stupid actions – but walked free from court after being handed a 12 month conditional discharge.
Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said; “On October 19, Mr Singh was working at the store when Birrell came in at 7.40pm with his dog.
“He asked for a bottle of vodka but was refused service unless he took the dog out. The dog was taken out of the store and Mr Singh agreed to serve him but Birrell then said to Mr Singh ‘I don’t say anything about your mum being in here’, comparing her to a dog.
“Mr Singh refused to serve him again and Birrell grabbed him by the wrist and pushed the top of his turban and then left the shop.
“Police were called and he was arrested as he went back to the shop to apologise.”
Birrell told police he had drank four cans of alcohol before going to the store to buy more booze.
Laura Johnson, defending, said: “He apologises for his behaviour. His mum was extremely poorly at the time and he had consumed alcohol.
“He has two children and does suffer with learning difficulties. He doesn’t deal well with conflict, which is perhaps why this escalated as it did.
“There were no injuries suffered by the gentleman and no suggestion this was racially motivated.”
In a statement read out in court, Mr Singh said: “I felt targeted as I am a Sikh who wears a turban.
“I don’t believe he would have done this if I was white and had a top knot in my hair. I am angry he pushed at my turban.”
Gareth Cracknell, chair of the magistrates, said: “We give you credit for going back to the store to apologise but this was rather stupid.
“You are a big man who can easily intimate someone.
“We could’ve sent you to prison.
“If you come back for something similar that will happen.”
Birrell was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay a criminal courts charge of £150, prosecution costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge.
A Sikh community leader blasted magistrates for not taking tougher action in the case.
Karnail Singh, who is minister of the South Shields Sikh Temple, in Westway, says Birrell was let off ‘lightly’.
Mr Singh, 58, said: “The turban is a symbol of pride and respect. It is not just a normal piece of headwear.
“For a Sikh, the turban is associated with respect and honour. Pushing or pulling off the turban is an attack on a person’s honour and religion. It will cause a person great dishonour and respect.”
Mr Singh says the judicial system should set a sterner example to offenders.
He added; “The courts should be setting an example for people who attack religious identity.
“The defendant may not have cared what he was doing but the courts should have more understanding.”
Mr Singh insists the unsavoury insist won’t detract from the strong links that have been forged between the Sikh and South Tyneside communities over decades.
He added: “Offences like this are rare. We have a great rapport with the people of South Tyneside, who have been very kind, welcoming and warm-hearted.”
Read more: http://www.shieldsgazette.com/
Comment:- Can India compare its Justice with these countries ?
Amar Jit Singh Chandi