A PHARMACIST was racially abused after informing a customer he could not give him an inhaler without a doctor’s authorisation.
Kabir Sabir was repeatedly addressed with racial slurs and swear words by 59-year-old David Statham, who also threatened to assault the pharmacist, at Boots in Knighton on June 24 this year.
Statham admitted racially aggravated assault when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, December 9. A second charge of using threatening behaviour was withdrawn.
Prosecutor Stephen Davies said Statham became enraged with Mr Sabir after coming to the pharmacy to collect his prescription but being informed by the pharmacist that he would not be able to prescribe him an inhaler without speaking to the doctor.
The court heard Statham then unleashed a tirade of racist insults at Mr Sabir when he mistakenly thought he was being laughed at.
“Kabir Sabir was working in Boots pharmacy in Knighton and it was around midday when the defendant came in to collect his prescription,” said Mr Davies.
“He asked for an inhaler too but Mr Sabir checked the records and told the defendant he would need to speak to his doctor. As he walked to the exit, Mr Sabir tried to explain the reason and could tell the defendant was not happy.
“Mr Sabir sometimes has a nervous chuckle in such situations, it has happened in past and it happened on this occasion. The defendant said ‘you think it’s funny? I’d love to punch your head in’."
He then turned back to him and threatened to "smash his head in" while swearing and alluding to the colour of his skin.
“Police arrived and the defendant was arrested," Mr Davies added. "He asked to see CCTV and didn’t answer any questions.
“The victim asked Boots to reduce the amount of hours he works in Knighton as a result of the incident, which he said has affected him massively. He said he is nervous of the repercussions.
“He said ‘I have replayed the incident in my mind and the behaviour was completely uncalled for. It seemed like a reason for him to throw around racist abuse to represent his own racist beliefs’.”
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Acting for the defendant, of Llwyncaedu, Llanbister Road, near Knighton, Michael Davies said his client accepted he “acted appallingly”.
“Mr Statham is disabled, he has a spine disease, as well as COPD,” said Mr Davies.
“He has one previous conviction from Worcester, but that was 13 years ago.
“There is no argument in relation to the facts. He went to pick up his prescription and he wanted an inhaler as he has had difficulty breathing. He is also entitled to one but was told he’d need to speak to his doctor and then the pharmacist’s nervous giggle triggered his behaviour.
“He accepts he acted appallingly and very much regrets what happened, this is not normally in his nature. He can’t say there was any provocation.”
Magistrates ordered Statham to pay a £180 fine, as well as £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.
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