Lowestoft chippie fracas, man fined

A LOWESTOFT man has been fined after admitting racially harassing a fish and chip shop worker and punching another customer.David Goodwin, of Somerton Avenue, pleaded guilty to assault and racially aggravated harassment when he appeared at Lowestoft magistrates court yesterday.

A LOWESTOFT man has been fined after admitting racially harassing a fish and chip shop worker and punching another customer.

David Goodwin, of Somerton Avenue, pleaded guilty to assault and racially aggravated harassment when he appeared at Lowestoft magistrates court yesterday.

Tess James, prosecuting, said Goodwin, 31, had been drinking before he went into Pablos fish and chip shop in St Peter's Street at about 9.30pm on January 14.

She said Goodwin swore at the man serving in the shop and imitated his Chinese accent.

When Adrian Cole, another customer in the shop, objected to Goodwin's swearing and tried to make him leave, he was punched.

Richard Mann, for Goodwin, said Goodwin had been drinking heavily on the day of the incident because he had just split up with his long-term girlfriend and was also having financial trouble.

District judge David Cooper said: 'You are obviously a respectable man who acted in an uncharacteristic way. You let yourself down on this occasion.'

Goodwin was ordered to pay a total of �500 in fines and costs for the two offences, including �100 compen-sation to Mr Cole.