Fine for Douglas man who subjected taxi driver to racist abuse

67-year-old also refused to pay his fare

A Douglas man who targeted a taxi driver with 'intolerant' and 'racist' remarks has been fined £330.

Brian Yewdall, of Homefield Close, appeared at Douglas Courthouse where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour.

The court heard the incident occurred after the 67-year-old entered a taxi on Victoria Street in Douglas at 12:10am on 23 August.

After the taxi departed he began to ask the driver 'where he was from' and then queried if the Egyptian was 'here illegally'.

He asked the driver 'what's wrong with your country' and later refused to pay his fare.

The taxi driver drove him to Police Headquarters, where Yewdall continued his rant.

He asked officers 'is he even legal' and queried 'what's wrong with the Manx people, why are we losing to them?'

During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse Yewdall's advocate told the court he was 'deeply ashamed of himself', saying the incident was 'totally out of character'.

Fining Yewdall and ordering him to pay £125 in prosecution costs, Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told him: "You've not exactly covered yourself in glory with your behaviour on this particular night."