A Traveller who understands the impact of racism “better than anyone” repeatedly called a shop security guard a “brown p***”.
Mark Stewart walked into the Decathlon store in Union Square in Aberdeen and started “acting erratically and shouting”.
When a security guard asked him to calm down, the 27-year-old “took umbrage”, became aggressive and used the racial slur.
He then repeatedly tried to headbutt a second security guard who had challenged him on his behaviour.
Fiscal depute Lynne MacVicar told Aberdeen Sheriff Court: “At around 2.20pm on Saturday, July 2 2022 the accused entered the locus and began acting erratically and shouting.
“At this point, a store security guard approached the accused and asked him to calm down.
‘A lifetime enduring racial slurs’
“The accused took umbrage at this request and instantly became aggressive towards him, referring to him as a ‘brown p***’.
“The accused thereafter began to repeatedly push the complainer to the cheek with his mobile phone.”
When colleagues came to assist the security guard, Stewart stated: “Don’t help him. He is a brown p***.”
He used the racially offensive term “numerous times”.
Eventually, the witnesses managed to remove Stewart from the store and he wandered off into the shopping centre.
Another security guard in Union Square was headed towards Decathlon in response to a panic alarm when he came across Stewart inside another store.
Having been made aware of the initial incident, the man challenged Stewart on his behaviour, and he quickly “became aggressive”.
Stewart got in the man’s face until they were “nose-to-nose” and attempted to headbutt him.
He also grabbed the security guard by his shirt collar but was restrained to the ground.
Another colleague came to assist and, during the struggle, Stewart again tried to headbutt the security guard.
Police were contacted and swiftly arrived to arrest Stewart.
‘You know better than anyone how hurtful racial slurs can be’
Stewart, of HMP Grampian, pled guilty to acting in a racially aggravated manner and assault.
Defence agent Liam Mcallister said his client had spent more of his adult life in prison than out of it, which he described as “desperately sad”.
He said: “He does wish to convey his apologies.
“He’s from the travelling community and has spent a lifetime enduring racial slurs so he understands how hurtful that can be.”
The solicitor said Stewart felt the security guard had been “excessive” in restraining him.
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin told Stewart: “You know better than anyone how hurtful racial slurs can be. I’m glad you acknowledge that.”
She ordered him to be supervised for two years and to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
For all the latest court cases in Aberdeen as well as crime and breaking incidents, join our Facebook group.