A former military man who ran after an educator in the street while carrying umbrellas and screaming racist insults managed to escape imprisonment after the court was told he had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ex-Soldier Who Directed Racial Abuse At Man Cleared After Courts Say He Had PTSD
Robert Browne, aged 56, admitted his guilt of performing a racially motivated assault on 40-year-old Shabir Makim after a video was shared on the internet which captured him yelling a prejudiced remark.
The surveillance video revealed Browne pursuing Makim along a road, while warning that he would take the educator’s life and prodding him with two umbrellas. Following Mr Makim’s witnessing of Browne badgering a homeless individual in the area, the attack ensued.
He could be heard branding insults involving the p-word, as well as saying: “b*****d’ and a ‘c***.” The former military personnel was issued a 10-week suspended sentence for an 18-month duration and commanded to pay the educator £300 after admitting guilt.
When looking back on the incident, this is what Makim had to say: “I think (the sentence) is completely unjustified, he has basically been let out free and he can go and do it again if he wants. I don’t feel justice has been done – for what I went through – it’s unacceptable.”
At the time of his sentencing, Browne expressed regret and claimed he was in an intoxicated state when he committed the assault. It was also revealed in court that Browne had been diagnosed with post-traumatic-stress disorder and was attending the funeral of a fellow serviceman on the day in question.
The social media response was one of outrage. Regardless of the fact that the former soldier was dealing with some demons, it did not justify the behaviour and the lack of a harsh punishment. One person wrote: “Slap on the wrist. Should be banged up for that behaviour.”
The victim has been left aggrieved, which is why it may take some time before he can move on. So there you have it folks. What did you think about this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
If you liked reading this article, then check out our other features on the Daily Soap Dish. Please also visit The Over Timer for all of the latest exciting news on all of your favorite daytime.
