Two women hurled racist abuse at McDonald’s security guards in South Shields
Two women who hurled vile racist abuse at security guards in a South Tyneside branch of McDonald’s could be jailed.
Carly Smith, 36, and Chelsea Scott, 29, referenced the employees’ suspected Muslim heritage when telling them to “go back to your country”, a court heard.
Scott also assaulted a police officer called to the town centre King Street outlet in South Shields at 9pm on Thursday, January 8.
Smith, of Denmark Street, Bensham, Gateshead, and Scott, of Windlass Court, South Shields, each pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated common assault.
At the hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Scott also admitted a charge of assault of an emergency worker.
District Judge Zoe Passfield described their behaviour as “absolutely atrocious” and adjourned the case for an all-options pre-sentence report.
That means custody is an option when they return to the same court to be sentenced on Tuesday, March 3.
Prosecutor John Garside said: “At approximately 9pm, the defendants went into the McDonald’s in King Street.
“There were issues with the security team and two who work for McDonald’s security.
“They asked the defendants to leave. The defendants punched, slapped and kicked.”
Mr Garside attributed the racist words to both defendants and revealed they swore in referencing the guards as being ‘Muslim’.
He said they added, ‘Get back to your country. Stop assaulting our kids’.
David Forrester, defending Scott, said his client was “ashamed at what happened”, adding: “She’s never been to court before.”
Emily Baker Harrington, defending Smith, said: “She’s certainly not proud of her actions and does disclose some ongoing issues with alcohol and mental health.”
Judge Passfield told them: “You’ve both pleaded guilty and will be given full credit, but your behaviour was absolutely atrocious. You should both be very ashamed of yourselves.”
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