Racially-abusive Ripley man is put behind bars

A racially-abusive man has been jailed for 12 weeks after he sent offensive texts to his partner and failed to take a drink-drive breath test.
Pictured is Lee Flint, 39, of Crossley Street, Ripley, who was jailed for 12 weeks for sending racially-aggravated texts and for failing to provide a drink-drive breath specimen.Pictured is Lee Flint, 39, of Crossley Street, Ripley, who was jailed for 12 weeks for sending racially-aggravated texts and for failing to provide a drink-drive breath specimen.
Pictured is Lee Flint, 39, of Crossley Street, Ripley, who was jailed for 12 weeks for sending racially-aggravated texts and for failing to provide a drink-drive breath specimen.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard how Lee Flint, 39, of Crossley Street, Ripley, had been at his partner’s home and had been drinking vodka when an argument erupted before he drove away and sent racially-abusive texts.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam told the court during a previous hearing the complainant had been in an on-off relationship with Flint.

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Taxi-driver Flint had come to his partner’s home with his daughter, according to Ms Haslam, and had bought vodka which both the defendant and complainant had been drinking.

Ms Haslam claimed Flint became drunk and shouted and swore and made abusive comments about the complainant’s son - who has a Moroccan father - before he drove away with his daughter.

Police were alerted and discovered Flint had later sent texts of an abusive and racist nature and officers found him at his home smelling of alcohol. Flint pleaded guilty to failing to provide a drink-drive breath test specimen and to sending offensive texts after the incident on May 19.

During a previous hearing, defence solicitor Katie Fowkes said Flint had a small amount of vodka with the complainant and had consumed the rest at home. She argued Flint did not accept making racist comments at the complainant’s house but accepted sending abusive texts but had no recollection of making them. Magistrates sentenced Flint on June 24 to 12 weeks’ custody and banned him from driving for 19 months. He was given a two-year restraining order and must pay an £80 victim surcharge and a £150 court charge.