Man who racially abused elderly shopkeeper in Carntyne charged under new hate crime laws

A man who attacked an elderly salesperson and called him racist insults has been charged under the new hate crimes law.

Michael Burns, 40, attacked his victim in Carntyne, Glasgow, on May 11, 2024.

Burns was “hostile” towards the man and threatened him.

He then placed his head against the victim’s forehead before calling his grandson and another man “P**ib****s.”

Burns pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to charges of assault under the Hate Crime and Public Order Act.

It said the bill was intended for offenders who have “dislikes or prejudices regarding age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or differences in gender characteristics.”

Burns’ sentence under this Act is one of the earliest handed down by Scottish criminal courts.

Burns, of Baillieston, also pleaded guilty to separate charges of racist conduct towards three men.

The court heard the clerk, his grandson and another man were unloading products into the grocery store.

Burns entered the store, became hostile towards the man and threatened him.

Burns then stated, “What are you going to do about it?”

The screams were heard by other men who then went to the store.

Another man tried to intervene to protect his grandfather and asked Burns to leave.

He refused and demanded that his grandson fight him.

The finance deputy added: “He made numerous threats of violence and repeatedly shouted ‘P**ib****s.’

Burns initially left the store but returned later, repeating the racist remark.

999 was called and officers located Burns to arrest him.

Defense lawyer Roberto Manini said before the verdict that his client’s alcohol problem had returned.

The lawyer added: “He is aware that people should be able to go about their daily lives without being exposed to this type of behavior.”

Sheriff Paricia Pryce ordered Burns to pay the victim £500 compensation.

The other two men will also receive £250 compensation.

The sheriff said: “You know how serious this was and you have a shocking criminal record.

“You can maintain a full-time job and a normal life, so it’s a balancing act.

“I will take this opportunity to impose a direct alternative to detention.”