Man jailed after Nazi salute (From Campaign Series)

Man jailed after Nazi salute

4:37pm Friday 26th October 2007

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AN EBBW Vale man performed a Nazi salute and racially abused two Asian restaurant owners while on bail for a metal bar attack on another man, a court heard.

Christopher Phillips, 24, of Bethcar Street, Ebbw Vale, was jailed for a total of 26 months by a judge at Newport crown court.

He admitted wounding Jonathan Meadows, affray, and causing racially aggravated fear of violence.

Prosecutor James Evans said that on September 21 last year, Phillips had a row with Mr Meadows concerning drugs.

Mr Meadows picked up a knife and with that, Phillips grabbed a metal bar in an attempt to disarm him.

Mr Meadows suffered a broken right arm and had nine cuts to the top of his head which needed 70 stitches.

In May this year in Church Street, Ebbw Vale, Phillips stood outside the Tara Mahal Restaurant and did a Nazi salute.

Shortly after he confronted the two owners and used racially abusive language.

One of them, Mohammed Taukder, was attacked and suffered a broken cheek bone.

Phillips was said to have convictions for 44 offences including causing actual bodily harm and assaulting the police.

Phillips' counsel Andrew Morse said Mr Meadows was known to be a violent man and Phillips had used the metal bar in self-defence.

His actions, he said, went "over the top" by striking him on the head.

Phillips he added regretted the incident outside the restaurant.

"He's not know to be racist in any way," said Mr Morse.

Judge David Morris told Phillips that he had not approached Mr Meadows with the intention of causing serious injury, and Mr Meadows started the incident when he produced a knife.

Regarding the affray, the judge said Phillips' conduct had been frightening and his language to the brothers had been "disgraceful and disgusting".

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