Published: Thursday, 22nd May, 2008 12:00
Race yob demanded takeway cash
By Brian Hossack
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Greenock Sheriff Court
A YOB screamed vile racist abuse at staff in a fast food takeaway after they refused to refund his cash.
The sheriff court heard on Tuesday how Robert Skilling, of Carwood Street, Greenock, went to Flames in Sinclair Street demanding money back after claiming he got the wrong order the night before.
Depute fiscal Tom Smyth told the court how trouble then flared in the shop around 3.30pm the following day.
Mr Smyth said: “Mr Skilling said he had been over-charged and argued about the order the previous night and staff disagreed.
“A racial incident was sparked and he made certain comments to staff on more than one occasion. The shouting went on for more than 20 minutes until police were contacted.”
During his appearance in the dock on Tuesday, the 29-year-old admitted a charge of acting in a racially aggravated manner which caused distress, by shouting racist abuse on 3 May this year.
Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher said his client’s behaviour was out of character, and he was familiar to staff at the Greenock shop.
Mr Gallagher said: “He lives near the premises and is a regular customer who has never been involved in any problems before and regards himself being on good terms with the owners.
“He had gone in the night before and bought food. When he got home, he considered it to be the wrong order and he went back the following afternoon.
“Staff didn’t accept this mistake and he was told in no uncertain terms that he wouldn’t be getting his money back, which is when this incident took place.
“He is full of regret and doesn’t regard himself as being a racist.
“He intends to go back and apologise at the first opportunity.”
Sheriff Peter Watson said: “Bearing in mind the background I’ve heard today, I will defer sentence for three months on you for good behaviour.
“If this is the case, it will be dealt with accordingly.”
Skilling will appear again in August.
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