Sheffield bigot asked judge if he had to “be a good boy for nine months” when handed suspended jail term
Spooner’s convictions for 16 offences, including four incidents of racially aggravated harassment and racially aggravated assault.
A habitual Sheffield bigot handed a suspended jail term for racial abuse asked a judge if he had to “be a good boy for nine months”.
Gavin Spooner, aged 49, asked District Judge Tim Spruce the question at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court after being told he would be spared immediate custody for his latest offending,
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The judge, who branded Spooner’s crimes “completely out of order” but noted he had been out of trouble for five years prior to an incident on February 15 incident, replied: “Well, I want you to be good for the rest of your life Gavin.”
Sherelle O'Brien, prosecuting, described how the defendant had caused “problems throughout the night” at a facility in Pitsmoor, having kicked several doors and causing £700 worth of damage prior to a verbal assault.
Spooner, who had been living at the address for four years, told an Asian worker he would rape him after hurling “disgraceful” racial slurs, said Ms O'Brien.
The court heard Spooner had 10 convictions for 16 offences, including four incidents of racially aggravated harassment and racially aggravated assault.
Yvonne Wragg, defending, said Spooner had now lost his accommodation and was living on the street.
She added that the defendant had sought self-help already with mental health services to address his issues.
Suspending a 16 weeks jail sentence for nine months, Judge Spruce told him: “Your behaviour was completely out of order.
“It’s disgraceful, the language you used toward (the complainant), and it’s not the first time is it, Gavin.”
Spooner, of no fixed abode, was ordered to pay £650 compensation.
He admitted racially aggravated harassment and criminal damage.