A man accused his neighbour of being a terrorist and subjected him to a tirade of racial abuse, a court heard. Tim Gupta accused his victim of "blowing people up" and, when taken to custody, made a false allegation that his victim had a gun.
Gupta, 43, of South Road in Weston-super-Mare, pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence. He appeared at Bristol Crown Court for sentence yesterday (August 10, 2022).
Judge Martin Picton, who recognised Gupta had had difficulties to contend with, imposed a 12-month community order with rehabilitation and alcohol treatment. He told Gupta: "You face challenges and none of those are going to be made any easier by locking you up."
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Matthew Jackson, prosecuting, told the court Gupta launched a "volley" of abuse at his neighbour. He said Gupta told him "Go away, you're a terrorist who blows people up."
Gupta was also heard to shout "Allahu, Allahu, Allahu Akbar!" (God is most great) and referred to his neighbour with a racial slur. When Gupta was taken into custody by police he made a false claim his neighbour had a firearm, the court heard.
Gupta had previous convictions for harassment and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order, the court heard. Mandla Ndlovu, defending, ensured the judge received references for his client but did not argue against the disposal suggested.
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