A racist customer tried to spit at an Aberdeen kebab shop worker and threatened to burn the takeaway down.
Thomas Robertson had stopped off at Cravin Crrispy on Barron Street following a drinking session with his brother-in-law.
But Robertson – who landed in hot water with the sheriff for turning to grin at a friend in the court’s public gallery – quickly became abusive.
The 28-year-old tried to spit at a member of staff, threatened to burn the takeaway down, banged on doors and challenged witnesses to fight.
Fiscal depute Jennifer Pritchard told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the incident happened around 10pm on December 4 2021.
‘It might be an idea to concentrate on the case’
She said: “At this time, the accused entered and approached the counter where he was served by an employee.
“The employee took the accused’s order and the accused began conversing about numerous topics and was difficult to understand.”
At this point in the hearing, Robertson turned away from Sheriff Andrew Miller and began to grin at a friend seated in the public gallery.
Sheriff Miller warned: “It might be an idea to concentrate on the case.”
Ms Pritchard continued: “Witnesses noticed the accused’s behaviour begin to change, becoming more aggressive and angry.
‘He has little recollection of the incident’
“He stated that he’d contact a friend to come down and they would beat up the employee.”
Other staff nearby tried to assist in calming Robertson down.
Robertson then turned and spat in the man’s direction, however only succeeded in spitting on his own jacket.
Ms Pritchard went on: “The accused began to bang on a freezer door and thereafter left the locus before banging on the front shop window challenging all of the witnesses to come outside and fight him.”
He also threatens to “burn down” the shop.
Robertson further made “numerous comments about Muslim people, Islam and other religious words”.
‘He got himself into a complete mess’
Robertson pled guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and to assault.
Defence agent Laura Gracie said her client was remanded in custody over a separate matter.
She explained on the day of the offence, Robertson had gone out drinking with his brother-in-law to mark the anniversary of the passing of his wife.
She said: “He now accepts, in hindsight, he should not have gone drinking with his brother-in-law.
“He has little recollection of the incident but fully accepts the evidence.”
Sheriff Miller jailed him for six months.
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