A WOMAN has been fined for using racist language on a night out. 

Sophie Lloyd, of Hopper Close, Powick, became "obstructive" with officers after her then-boyfriend was arrested, Worcester Magistrates Court heard.

Mark Hambling, prosecuting, said officers saw the 26-year-old on October 7 last year outside McDonald's in The Cross. 

Malvern Gazette: FINED: Sophie Lloyd leaving Worcester Magistrates CourtFINED: Sophie Lloyd leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Mr Hambling said Lloyd was drunk, in a distressed state, and using some profanity.

"The appearance was she had been drinking considerably," the prosecutor said. 

"There were members of the public watching.

"She was placed in handcuffs."

The prosecutor said Lloyd had shown obstructive behaviour to officers before she then made a racist comment, all captured on police's bodyworn footage.

Malvern Gazette: CRIMES: Sophie Lloyd committed the offences outside McDonald's, The CrossCRIMES: Sophie Lloyd committed the offences outside McDonald's, The Cross (Image: Newsquest)

Elaine Bell, chairman of the magistrates bench, asked if the racist comment had been made to an officer, but Mr Hambling explained it was towards a member of the public a short distance away. 

The prosecutor said it had been a "short, swift comment" adding it had been "no more than that".

 

Sophie Lloyd was "ashamed" to appear at Worcester Magistrates Court

 

Belinda Ariss, defending, said: "She can't remember anything of the incident, she has no option to fully accept the police evidence against her."

Mrs Ariss explained her then-boyfriend had been arrested by officers and she had taken exception to that, before committing the offences. 

Mrs Ariss said Lloyd, who had no previous convictions, was "extremely sorry and ashamed to be in court".

Lloyd admitted racially aggravated harassment/alarm/distress by words, and using threatening/abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment/alarm or distress.

The solicitor added Lloyd was currently not working due to health issues, adding she was living alone in rented accommodation.

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The chairman told Lloyd she would be fined £60 for the first offence, which was increased due to the racial element, and fined a further £40 for the second.

Lloyd was also ordered to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £40. 


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The chairman added there was no compensation being awarded as the man the comment was directed at was never identified. 

Lloyd's offer to pay the total, £275, at a rate of £25 per month was accepted by officers.

The case was heard on Thursday, (January 19).