Welsh insults 'not racist'

A jury has found a kebab shop customer who abused a policeman for being Welsh was not being racist.

Martin Lynch, 40, of Tilehurst in Reading, Berkshire, was found guilty of threatening behaviour after taunting a police sergeant while being arrested for damaging a taxi.

But the jury at Reading Crown Court formally acquitted him of a racially aggravated part of the charge.

Mr Recorder Peter Clarke QC said "anger management" might be applicable for Lynch, who was also found guilty of causing criminal damage.

I was out of order but this has been ridiculous. A waste of everyone's time and effort.

Martin Lynch

Speaking outside court, Lynch, who had denied the charges, said: "I can't believe it had to come to this.

"He is a big tough policeman and calling him that was nothing.

"I was out of order but this has been ridiculous. A waste of everyone's time and effort."

Lynch was accused of taunting Sergeant Michael Graham, who has a strong Welsh accent, with obscene references while the officer arrested him for damaging a taxi.

He admitted making obscene remarks but said his comments were not meant "in a racial way", saying they were normal at the building site on which he worked.

Sentence was adjourned to 16 December 2002.