Woman apologises for racist outburst at Arbroath shopkeeper

An Arbroath woman apologised for racially abusing an Asian shopkeeper after being fined £320.

Teresa Haxton, 35, of Great Michael Road, admitted shouting racial remarks and swearing at the shopkeeper on June 3 at the Best Way Food Store on Mayfield Terrace.

Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said Haxton had gone there, done her shopping and left, but she returned to the shop later after thinking she had left her keys on the counter.

Ms Drummond said Haxton became angry when the shopkeeper said the keys had not been left.

She racially abused him and police were alerted to the commotion.

A defence agent said Haxton had a problem with alcohol and had suffered something of a relapse.

He blamed the incident on her taking different medication at the time.

He added that his client had no recollection of the incident but she would like to apologise to the court and the shopkeeper for her behaviour.

Sheriff Fife said: “There is no excuse for racial abuse, whatever your personal circumstances.

“Racial abuse nowadays will not be tolerated. It’s a hard enough job for people running a shop without having to put up with this.”