‘Upstanding member of Mansfield community’ hurled racial and homophobic abuse at police officers

Jonathan Cheesmond, aged 45, of Briar Lane, Mansfield, admitted racially aggravated harassment when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Cheesmond used a racial slur when he was challenged by an acting police sergeant in a bar at 1am, on January 12, said Becky Allsop, prosecuting.

He made comments about “wiping the floor” with the officers and homophobic insults after he was arrested.

“I don't come to work to be racially abused, it shows total ignorance,” the acting sergeant said, adding that the incident was aggravated because he was doing his duty and maintaining public safety at the time.

He said the number of times he has been racially abused amounted to “double figures” but he couldn’t recall a similar “level of hatred” to that expressed by Cheesmond.

Paige Tugby, mitigating, said. “He is very remorseful and has not been before the court for a substantial period of time.

"He had been out, consumed alcohol and acted otherwise in accordance with how he would act normally.

“This is completely out of character. He is a valuable member of society."

Cheesmond runs a timber company, “is very keen on employing local people” and volunteers for the Lashes Foundation which supports disadvantaged children, Ms Tugby added.

A reference described him as an "upstanding member of the Mansfield community" who "cares for his family and everyone around him”

He was fined £1,083 and ordered to pay £200 compensation.