Yob hurled racist abuse at Sunderland shopkeeper while high on drugs

A yob should feel shame for hurling vile racist abuse at a Sunderland shopkeeper and damaging his door while on drugs almost two years ago, a judge has said.
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District Judge Kathryn Meek slammed Dean Coates, 32, for his actions near Sunderland city centre.

Coates’ attack, in league with a more aggressive pal, led the shopkeeper to tell police he had never seen such “sheer violence”, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

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Despite his crime, Judge Meek said Coates, of Aldenham Tower, Aldenham Road, Farringdon, appeared to be turning his life around “against the odds” since the incident on April 22, 2019.

The case was dealt with at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.The case was dealt with at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.
The case was dealt with at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

He had complied well with a court order for a separate offence committed just months after his shop attack and had potential work in the pipeline.

She handed him an 18-month community order, with a requirement for him to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, and banned him from entering the store until the order expires.

In a victim statement read by prosecutor Leanne Duffy, the victim told police officers: “Throughout my time here, I’ve never witnessed such sheer violence”.

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Chris Wilson, defending, said Coates had not been the main instigator but had acted after a friend became embroiled in a stand-off with staff.

The court heard the other attacker had not been charged after prosecutors failed to file their case against him on time.

Mr Wilson said “the other male was the impetus behind the defendant’s behaviour”, adding: “There was a little bit of pushing and when the defendant left the shop, he kicked the door.

“At the time he was heavily dependent on alcohol and was taking drugs. He appears before you, today, changed.

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“He is endeavouring to turn his life around and away from the criminal justice system.”

When addressed by Judge Meek, Coates admitted: “I can’t remember because of the drugs.”

Coates pleaded guilty to committing racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress and to causing £300 of criminal damage.

He must pay £400 court costs, having denied the racial aggravation charge until the day of his trial, and pay his victim £150 compensation.

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