White man who claimed he was ‘black’ fined for racially harassing a police officer

Police had been called to Jason Lamb's home over a domestic incident, which resulted in no charges, and he told officers: "I need my solicitor, I'm black".

Newcastle Crown Court Lamb started to shout and become aggressive while the two officers escorted him to a police van.

Prosecutor Antonia Adie said Lamb asked one of the officers, who describes himself as Asian, what his name was and was told it was Sam.

Lamb then said: "I'm being discriminated against Sam, I'm black, I'm going to make a scene, I'm black, I’m black".

Miss Adie added: "Despite the defendant, of course, being a white male."

The court heard Lamb was disruptive for several minutes and resisted being put into the back of the van but was eventually transferred to custody.

Lamb, 55, of Mowbray Road, South Shields, admitted racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.

In an impact statement the Asian officer said he believed Lamb's comments were targeted towards him and he was "upset" by them.

Jason Smith, defending, said Lamb admitted his words were targeted towards the Asian officer but he did not directly call him any racist names or swear.

Mr Smith added that Lamb was in a "drunken state" and said: "He accepts by calling himself black and directing his conversation towards the PC it was almost inevitable that PC will have taken umbrage at that."

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The court heard Lamb in employment and has been out of trouble for years.

Judge Robert Spragg told Lamb: "You said 'I need my solicitor, I'm black'. You were clearly saying that because he was Asian. You thought you were being amusing. You said 'I'm discriminated against Sam, I'm black'."

Judge Spragg said he hoped Lamb was "ashamed" and added: "The PC obviously found this upsetting. He serves the community, he doesn't deserve this type of behaviour, which clearly affected his morale."

Lamb was sentenced to a £250 fine and ordered to pay the officer £500 compensation.

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