Man guilty of racially abusing police officer

David HammondA man has pleaded guilty to subjecting a police officer to a torrent of racist abuse.

David Hammond, 41, of South Street, Hemsworth, admitted shouting, swearing and using racist insults against PC Junaid Farooq. He appeared before Pontefract Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The court heard that PC Farooq, of the South East neighbourhood policing team, had been called to a domestic incident between Hammond and his partner on Friday, September 14. Officers cautioned Hammond for swearing at the police but he refused to calm down. He was arrested and taken away by police when he began to hurl racist and religious insults at PC Farooq.

Prosecuting Diane Gomersall said: “He shouted ‘all you Muslims just fly planes into buildings.’ He then said ‘where are you from? I am English from Vikings, where are you from?'” She said that Hammond continued abusing PC Farooq on the way to the police station and in front of the custody sergeant. Mrs Gomersall said: “PC Farooq is an officer of eight years experience and he said it was the worst racist and religious abuse he has suffered.”

Hammond was ordered to pay a £180 fine and £100 in compensation to Mr Farooq.

Hemsworth & South Elmsall Express, 3 October 2012