Mansfield man’s racist tirade

Town magistrates heard how on 6th December Steven Roberts (55), of Stone Cross Court, was heard shouting on Church Street while waving his arms and staring at passers-by.

Roberts was heard shouting offensive swear words while saying foreigners should go back to their own countries in the presence of nearby children.

Prosecutor Robert Parr told the court that after his arrest Roberts accepted what he had done.

Mr Parr added: “He said he had gone onto Church Street and seen zombies and said ‘what are you doing here?’”

Andy Bostock, defending, said Roberts had been an alcoholic for many, many years and had been before the courts on more than one occasion.

“He has lived on the street as an eccentric character it is fair to say,” said Mr Bostock.

The court was told how on the day in question Roberts was drunk and became frustrated when a cash machine he was using malfunctioned.

He added: “There was no rhyme or reason to it. He was just very drunk at the time. The lady who witnessed it says the behaviour was not aimed at anyone in particular.

“In particular, no foreign nationals were around at the time. She thought he may be ill because of the way he had displayed himself.

“He entered a guilty plea as early as possible as he always does.”

Roberts was given a conditional discharge for six months and a £15 victim surcharge.

The sentence means he must stay out of trouble for the entire period or return to the court and be re-sentenced.