Reveller 'racially abused' Welsh policeman

A kebab shop customer racially abused a policeman for being Welsh, a court heard.

Martin Lynch is accused of taunting Sergeant Michael Graham with obscene references while the officer arrested him for damaging a taxi.

Mr Graham told Reading Crown Court he was the target of a series of offensive remarks.

Mr Lynch, 40, of Tilehurst in Berkshire, denies criminal damage and violent racist abuse.

People think we don't get frightened or scared but we do

Sergeant Michael Graham

He admitted making obscene remarks but said his comments were not meant "in a racial way".

Mr Lynch told the jury: "I work on building sites and no one takes any notice of that kind of thing."

He added: "I wish it had never happened. I was hungry and just wanted to have my kebab and go home."

The sergeant, who has a strong Welsh accent, was called to a kebab shop on Oxford Road, Reading, in the early hours of 11 February after Mr Lynch allegedly damaged a taxi.

The court heard Mr Lynch was already swearing at two policemen and when the sergeant turned up, his insults became "racially motivated".

'Fighting stance'

Mr Graham said: "He was in a fighting stance with his fists clenched and a rigid body. I found it intimidating and extremely threatening."

Six policemen eventually forced Mr Lynch to the ground and he was taken to Reading Police Station.

Cranston Morris, defending, said: "This was nothing more than a drunk and disorderly incident that got out of hand."

The case continues.