Man used racist language after Shropshire shopkeeper refused to serve him alcohol

Richard Coombes was arrested following his behaviour at Dhillon's convenience store in Highley, near Bridgnorth, Telford Magistrates Court heard.

Mrs Abigail Hall said shop owner Jasvinder Dhillon refused to serve the 49-year-old on December 30 last year after he came in to the store to buy alcohol.

She said: "He states he could see he was drunk and refused to serve him."

Mrs Hall told the court that Coombes had then used racist and offensive language to Mr Dhillon, who said Coombes had clenched fists and was waving them around.

The court heard that Mr Dhillon phoned the police and Coombes left the shop but returned about 15 minutes later.

Mrs Hall said Coombes wanted to buy whiskey but the shopkeeper again refused to serve him.

She said it resulted in Coombes using more racist language and swearing at Mr Dhillon.

The court heard that when Mr Dhillon phoned the police, Coombes could be heard on the calls using racist and abusive language.

After being arrested, Coombes said he had been drunk and that he would not have acted like that otherwise.

He admitted he was "disgusted" with himself afterwards, Mrs Hall said.

Coombes, of Gresham Road, Worcester, admitted two charges of using racially aggravated words on December 30 last year.

Ms Lisa Morris-Jones, for Coombes, said her client wanted to sincerely apologise for his actions.

She said he had been in Highley to visit his parents for Christmas and they were ashamed of his behaviour.

She said: "He rarely drinks. He tells me since this incident he hasn't had a drop.

"Coombes hangs his head in shame this morning because he does regret his actions.

"There aren't going to be any further problems. He assures me of that.

"He accepts he was disorderly in that shop. He accepts he shouldn't have done what he did."

The court heard that Coombes also has mental health issues. The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Coombes is expected to be sentenced at Telford Magistrates Court on February 17 and he was given conditional bail until the hearing.