Derry man racially abused Turkish restaurant worker and punched him in the face

A 37 year-old man has been given a two month suspended sentence for attacking and racially abusing a Turkish man in a restaurant.

Matthew Kerr, of Francis Street, appeared before Derry Magistrates Court charged with common assault. The offence took place on February 15, 2014.

The court heard that Kerr began banging on the counter aggressively before going behind it and following the injured party out the back of the restaurant.

Kerr then punched the man to the face and stomach and called him a 'yellow Turkish b******'.

Paddy MacDermott, defence solicitor, said that Kerr was highly intoxicated and could not remember the incident.

Mr MacDermott said Kerr was 'deeply ashamed' of his behaviour.

He added Kerr 'couldn't understand' why he had said these things as he holds no racist views and his brother-in-law is Algerian and works in the same restaurant.

District Judge Barney McElholm said it was 'a shameful incident'.

Kerr was given a two month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay the injured party compensation of £150.