Woman racially abused shop assistant the court is told

A ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ character who racially abused a shop assistant and assaulted a nurse was released on bail after she appeared at Londonderry Magistrates Court on public order offences.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Oct 2014, 08:00 BST

Edel McLaughlin (33), of Seamus Roddy House, John Street, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour and common assault on September 20. She also admitted further charges of disorderly behaviour and criminal damage between October 4 and October 14.

The Court heard McLaughlin threw tablets at a nurse striking her on the leg. The nurse was distressed after the incident.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On October 4, McLaughlin went into the Asian Food Stores and caused damage to a till and scanner by shaking them. She then subjected the shop assistant to racial abuse, calling him a “black Indian b******”.

The court heard McLaughlin also threatened to break a customer’s jaw.

It was revealed the defendant was released on bail, however last week she was arrested on charges of breach of bail and disorderly behaviour.

Police opposed an application for the defendant to be re-released on bail.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An investigating officer said police fear McLaughlin would commit further offences and would not adhere to conditions.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client was a Jekyll and Hyde character and alcohol brought it on.

He applied for his client to be released on bail for a probation pre-sentence report to be compiled.

District Judge Barney McElholm released McLaughlin with stringent conditions. She will appear in court again on November 14.