A man who unleashed a tirade of racist and homophobic abuse at police officers while claiming his mother worked for the force has been sentenced. Benjamin Townsend, 27, of Parc Avenue in Cwmbran, pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence and possession of cannabis at Newport Magistrates' Court.
Incident at Tamarind Restaurant
Police were called to the Tamarind Indian restaurant on Blenheim Road in Cwmbran on March 2 after reports of a customer having a drunken meltdown. Prosecutor Jemma Guy said Townsend was "highly intoxicated" and causing a "nuisance." When officers arrived, they found him in tears. He initially agreed to be taken home but became resistant and verbally aggressive inside the police car.
Townsend directed a homophobic slur at one officer and threatened: "I'll smash your f*****g head in." He also used a derogatory term for Pakistani people about another officer. He then warned: "My mother works for Gwent Police, I'll make sure you lose your jobs."
Arrest and Cannabis Discovery
He was arrested and taken to a police station, where several snap bags of cannabis were found on him. Gwent Police confirmed there was nothing to suggest Townsend's claim about his mother was true.
Defence and Sentencing
Defence solicitor Bartek Piasta said Townsend had no previous convictions and was "deeply ashamed" of his behaviour, which was "completely out of character." He added that Townsend's grandmother had passed away a few days earlier and he was not coping well. "He isn't a drinker and that particular day he had drunk more than he should have. He wants to express his remorse and apologies," Mr Piasta said.
Townsend told the court he was on universal credit because an operation on his thumb meant he needed "six months' healing time" before he could return to fitting solar panels. District Judge Sophie Toms told him: "You are 27 and you shouldn't be drinking to excess. You were out of your mind."
Judge's Remarks
Judge Toms expressed sympathy for his loss but said alcohol had clearly not helped. "Did you wake up in a police station?" she asked. "Yes? Well you've now got a criminal record for a racially aggravated offence. That language can't be tolerated in today's society."
She imposed a £200 fine, £85 in prosecution costs, and an £80 victim services surcharge.
After the Hearing
After the hearing, Townsend initially responded "Shut up" when asked why he used racist and homophobic slurs. He then softened and apologised, saying: "My nan had passed away so I was just in a bad headspace, that's all mate. That's not my real views, that's not my character."
