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Posted on the 23rd January 2025 in PHTM News
DRUNK CYCLIST WHO SPEWED RACIST SLURS AFTER TAXI COLLISION IN MELTON FINED £80
A drunk cyclist who collided with a taxi in Melton town centre was arrested after launching a racist tirade at the driver.
Matthew Cooper, 42, admitted in court to racially abusing the taxi driver after "ramming his pushbike" into the side of the vehicle.
The incident unfolded when a police officer on duty in Burton Street was approached by the taxi driver, who requested Cooper's arrest. The prosecutor, Sukhy Basi, told Leicester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 22 January, that Cooper had directed racist abuse towards the driver following the collision.
When the officer confronted Cooper, he attempted to flee on his bicycle. However, the officer pursued him and arrested him at the junction of Sherrard Street and Market Place. The officer called for further back-up.
Mr. Basi stated. "The defendant was heavily intoxicated and shouting abuse in the street. He threatened to headbutt one of the officers and made racist remarks and continued to shout in the street."
Cooper's behaviour continued in the police van, where he repeatedly banged his head against the door and made further racist comments.
The court heard that Cooper had a previous criminal record, including convictions for public order offences and criminal damage.
Representing himself, Cooper pleaded guilty to causing racially-aggravated alarm, harassment, or distress. He said: "I've got a big gob at times. I didn't mean to clip his car."
Cooper was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge.
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