Thug who racially abused Muslim women must pay compensation to victims

A foul-mouthed thug who racially insulted two muslim women in headdresses in Chesterfield town centre has been ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard how former Navy serviceman Mark Carr, 41, of Holme Road, Chesterfield, had been drinking at The British Legion and The Victoria pub before unleashing racist abuse at the women, on Cavendish Street.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Mahon said one of the women had children in a double buggy and said she saw a male who appeared drunk and he was with a second male and the defendant swore.

Miss Mahon told how the woman said she heard the words “f*** off, Muslim b*****d” and the defendant was waving his hands and her children were crying and scared. The second woman heard the words “f*** off and go back to your own country”, according to Ms Mahon, and a witness saw the women crying.

Carr pleaded guilty to using racially aggravated threatening behaviour and causing racially aggravated distress. He told police he felt angry because of the death of soldier Lee Rigby, in Woolwich, who was allegedly murdered by two converts to Islam, and stated he has strong opinions about muslims not fitting in.

Matt Evans, defending, said Carr is remorseful, had lost his job and stressed he does not hold extremist views and his comments were motivated by booze. Magistrates had warned that the racial element of the case could have meant custody.

Carr was sentenced on Thursday, July 25, to a 12 month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge as well as £500 to each of the women affected.

Derbyshire Times, 30 July 2013