Drunk man who shouted racial slurs at Chesterfield nightclub bouncer sentenced
“You said you are not a racist. Well, I’m afraid you are.”
A man who was refused entry to a popular Chesterfield nightclub has been sentenced following a racially aggravated incident.
Dale Digby , 31, of Belmont Drive, Staveley, appeared at Chesterfield Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 5, following an incident, which took place on Saturday, March 7.
The court heard that two men, including the defendant, tried to enter Association Club on Corporation Street but were refused entry because they seemed too drunk.
The court heard that Digby was arguing with a security staff member and the situation quickly escalated with the defendant becoming aggressive and saying he would come in anyway.
Digby made comments about the staff member’s skin colour and shouted that he needed to ‘go back to his country’.
The security staff member put the defendant in a headlock and brought him to the floor, while Digby continued ‘shouting and screaming’ abusive comments.
Digby was held on the ground until police arrived.
He was charged with racially aggravated provocation of violence in connection with the incident.
Digby, who is on benefits, pleaded guilty to the offences but said he was not a racist.
He blamed the situation on being drunk and being in the middle of an argument.
Digby was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, a £100 fine £85 costs and was given a 12-month Community Order.
During sentencing, District Judge Taaffe said: “This is a valuable member of society, working, paying his taxes and contributing to your welfare benefits.
“You said you are not a racist. Well, I’m afraid you are.
“Anyone who makes comments on the colour of someone’s skin and says go back to your country is a racist.
“You are not a stranger to the courts and this is in my view a serious offence.
“This gentleman was just trying to do his job late at night.
“Frankly, the public are sick of men, not only men but mainly men, wondering around Chesterfield town centre and other town centres, drinking and doing what they want.”