Judge tells man 'racism cuts both ways' after white police officers abused

Deputy District Judge Gary Garland told Mohammed Asif Mahmood it was a sorry picture which had been painted of his behaviour towards the police and his family.

“Just as it is bad for white people to call black people horrible names it cuts both ways,” said Deputy District Judge Garland.

“If we are going to live in a society where we are all treated the same this kind of behaviour has got to stop. Skin colour is only a colour, it is only skin deep.”

Mahmood, 35, of Hawk Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour on February 26, assaulting an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly on March 3. He was jailed for 18 weeks and ordered to pay £100 compensation to one officer and £50 each to two others.

Shazia Aslam, prosecuting, said the defendant’s mother called police in February because her son was drunk and causing problems.

“He had been pushing her and when she tried to talk to him he became abusive,” said Ms Aslam.

When police arrived, he launched a tirade of abuse and threats. Mahmood later admitted drinking one and a half litres of vodka. On March 3 his mother again called police because her son was drunk and being abusive.

When police arrived they saw him standing on the corner of the street shouting abuse at members of the public. He was asked several times to calm down but continued to shout abuse.

“He tried to spit at the officers but luckily did not make contact,” said Ms Aslam.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client was something of a Jekyll and Hyde character.

“When he is in drink and confronted he behaves in a way which is appalling,” said Mr Price. “When he is sober he comes across as a pleasant gentleman.”

Mr Price said as well as alcohol his client had issues with his mental health and said he was addressing both.