The insults made the victim feel “targeted and dirty”
BY YASMIN VINCE, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES
A man who hurled homophobic insults and spat at a policewoman was ordered to pay just £10 in compensation. Despite making the officer feel “targeted and dirty”, the court chose not to impose a fine.
Richard McGinnis, 43, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 9 July and pleaded guilty to assault on an emergency worker and use of threatening language.
The officer in question had taken Mr McGinnis to a hospital after he was initially arrested for unruly behaviour and concern for his welfare. According to the prosecutor, Keith Ballinger, Mr McGinnis “became irate” when the officer wouldn’t let him have a cigarette.
The Swindon Advertiser reported that he had been warned against abusive language, but Mr McGinnis proceeded to shout homophobic insults at the policewoman. Following this, he spat on her boot.
Speaking on behalf of the policewoman, Mr Ballinger said: “The spit made her feel targeted and dirty. The homophobic slurs were shocking.”
It was made clear in court that Mr McGinnis was not fully aware of his actions as he had taken drugs prior to his arrest. He also wrote the officer an apology.
Taking the drugs and apology letter into account, the magistrate decided no fine would be imposed.
“There has to be an uplift for the homophobia,” he said. “But we do not feel it is in the interests of justice to impose this.”
Mr McGinnis was ordered to pay £10 in compensation. The court did not impose a fine, costs or victim surcharge.
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