Man ordered to pay a total of £519 after admitting racially abusing a Spalding taxi driver

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A man has been fined and ordered to pay court fees and compensation after admitting using racially abusive words and behaviour towards a Spalding taxi driver on 17 August last year.

The incident was heard at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 23 March, where the offender was fined £200, ordered to pay £119 in court costs and charges, plus £200 compensation to the taxi driver.

Superintendent Paul Timmons of Lincolnshire Police criticised the decision to only fine the offender £200, saying it “is not a deterrent for racial abuse”.

In a tweet posted by Timmons, he said: “It’s rare I comment on sentences and our magistrates will be working to a threshold matrix, but a £200 fine and some compensation to the victim is not a deterrent for racial abuse.

”Sadly this is too far too common. Rethink approach. Strong deterrent and/or education to change behaviour.”