Racist faces prison term

A 55 year old man who sang a racist song after an Asian male got on the bus has been warned he faces a prison sentence.

Blackburn magistrates heard that David Thompson made several references to the Taliban after Ibrahim Mulla got on the bus from Darwen to Blackburn.

The court was told Thompson, who has a swastika tattooed on his arm, maintained his racist rendition throughout the 20 minute journey, until his target reacted angrily.

Mr Mulla had to be restrained by the driver and other passengers as he challenged Thompson to “say it to his face.”

After he was arrested Thompson admitted to police he was racist, that he didn’t like Asians and he didn’t want them in his country.

Thompson, of Glebe Close, Accrington, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said Mr Mulla finished work in Darwen and shortly after 7 pm got on the bus to Blackburn. Thompson got on shortly after and started staring at Mr Mulla before singing; “Hey Mr Taliban give me a banana” or “Hey Mr Taliban give men Bin Laden.”

He repeatedly shouted “Taliban, Taliban”.

“Mr Mulla tried to ignore him but the abuse continued all the way from Darwen to Blackburn,” said Mr Ainge. “Mr Mulla accepts that he became angry and challenged the defendant. He didn’t see why he had to tolerate such racist abuse.”

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said the offence was regrettable and it was accepted it had caused offence.

“In context it is a drunken man singing a song which is best described as tasteless,” said Mr Church-Taylor.

He said Thompson had been visiting his daughter in Darwen and other people had been singing the song.

“He began to sing it on the bus because it was in his head,” said Mr Church-Taylor. “We now know it caused offence to one individual. He doesn’t recall saying the other things that are attributed to him but singing this song is sufficient.”

Asian News, 16 December 2009