Jail for Douglas man who ‘racially abused’ restaurant owner

40-year-old told Bulgarian woman: "You don't belong here"

A Douglas man has been jailed for racially abusing – and assaulting – a Bulgarian restaurant owner.

James Steven Cosgrave, of Watterson Lane, also punched a fellow patron who stepped into intervene.

The 40-year-old had attended Victoria Grill in Castletown at 9.45pm on 7 May – he was asked to leave after entering the premises with a can of cider.

Cosgrave became verbally abusive towards the woman, unleashing what the high bailiff described as ‘the most foul racial abuse’, telling her: “You don’t belong here” and “This is my area”.

A bystander attempted to persuade the groundworker to leave but once outside Cosgrave continued to act in an ‘agitated state’.

The shop owner blocked him from entering her property again and he pushed her in the chest, causing her to stumble, before going back inside saying: “I’m going to kill your husband now.”

After the bystander attempted to intervene again Cosgrave pushed him and then punched him in the face.

He later admitted common assault, common assault on a female and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse Cosgrave’s advocate told the court: “He offers no excuse for his actions – there is none.

“Alcohol and my client’s mechanism for dealing with his emotions are at the root of this matter.”

Describing the assaults as ‘extremely serious’ High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said his language was ‘appalling’ and she had no other option but to impose immediate custody.

“These offences are too serious to be dealt with by a community service order.” – High Bailiff Jayne Hughes

Sending Cosgrave to prison for 18 weeks she told him: “You have plenty of time now Mr Cosgrave to reflect on your life and make changes on your release.”