A UNIVERSITY policing course student convicted of racially abusing a man outside a Workington nightspot has been told by a judge there seems “little chance” of her now joining a force.
Olivia Glasson denied committing any offence during a flashpoint outside Padua’s, Washington Street, just after 3am on January 26 last year.
But 20-year-old Glasson was convicted, unanimously after a trial, of racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress.
CCTV captured an initial incident involving the victim, Charles Peat, and Glasson’s mother. Carlisle Crown Court heard Glasson – aged 18 at the time – then became embroiled, calling Whitehaven-born Mr Peat “black” and telling him to “go home”. Her words were also heard by a club doorman.
In an impact statement, 22-year-old Mr Peat spoke of his “anxiety” and “loss of confidence” since that night.
Jack Troup, defending, said Glasson – a woman of previous good character – maintained her denial, adding:
“She has started university and they are well aware of this offence.”
Judge Nicholas Barker was scathing of the “appalling behaviour”, during the early stage of the incident, of Glasson’s mother who, he concluded, had been “drunk, argumentative, aggressive, out of control”.
“Without her conduct that night I am quite convinced this incident would not have happened,” he told Glasson. “If this conviction impacts upon your future then no doubt she will share some of the responsibility for that, as indeed she should.”
Judge Barker today (THURS) imposed a six-month community order comprising a three-month night-time curfew, plus £250 costs. “It was a very cruel, unpleasant and clearly very deliberate remark designed to make offence,” the judge told her.
He noted Glasson, of Garth Road, Westfield, Workington, was a policing course student who harboured hopes of joining a force. But he added: “I think there is perhaps little chance of that now.”
