Mansfield Magistrates go large with the fines after biker’s failed McDonalds prank ends in racially aggravated damage.

A Mansfield teenager used racist abuse and headbutted a window when his failed attempt at a drive through motorbike prank made him a laughing stock.
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Courts

Ben Anthony Lowe rode his motorcycle past a McDonalds takeaway with his middle finger up in a rude gesture to staff behind the serving hatch.

But his bike stalled during the act, leaving him red faced and causing hilarity among the employees at the fast food outlet.

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Lowe, 18 appeared at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to causing racially aggravated criminal damage during the incident in the early hours of April 19.

The court was told that Lowe took exception to the laughter and shouted racist abuse, before walking towards the hatch window and headbutting it, cracking the pane.

Magistrates heard Lowe had made a full and frank admission of the offence and was very remorseful about what he had done.

The court heard he had no interest in racism and had many friends from different ethnic groups.

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It had been something which had happened in a moment of madness and he realised it was something which was very difficult to undo.

He wanted to apologise to his victim at the earliest opportunity.

Lowe was fined £90, ordered to pay compensation of £100, court costs of £50 and a Court Cost Charge of £180.

The lead Magistrate told Lowe if the offence had not been racially aggravated he would have received a conditional discharge.

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