Monmouth Labour councillor racially abused pub bouncer

A Labour town councillor racially and religiously abused a Muslim pub bouncer days after being elected.

George Rist, was drinking in Monmouth when he asked a black British doorman where he was from.

He also said the security man would rape him were he a 13-year-old girl.

Rist admitted two charges of intending to cause harassment, alarm or distress and of racially and religiously aggravated abuse. The 28-year-old has since resigned as a councillor.

Mike Williams, prosecuting, told Newport Magistrates' Court doorman Mahdi Sayid was working at the King's Head on 30 December when at about 23:15 GMT he was asked to speak to someone about "rowdy behaviour".

The court heard Rist, of Priory Street, Monmouth, was initially compliant when asked to leave.

But he became abusive and Mr Williams said he swore at the security guard, adding: "Merry Christmas and happy new year."

Mr Williams said: "The complainant and his colleague replied 'we wish you a happy new year as well'."

The court heard the defendant shouted expletives and asked where he was from.

The bouncer's colleague replied he was from England.

The court heard the defendant then replied shouting racist abuse.

On being told Rist was a councillor Mr Sayid, who describes himself as black British, Muslim and of Somali heritage, reported the matter to police.

Rist told police he had gone out after being told his grandmother was dying.

He said he was on ADHD medication but understood he could drink while taking it.

Mr Williams said officers who interviewed him noted he had shown "genuine remorse" and was "clearly upset" over the allegations, which he admitted.

Darren Bishop, defending, said his client was of clean character, had never been in trouble with the police before and was a "high-functioning alcoholic".

He said he worked full-time and had been diagnosed with ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"He resigned from his town council position and is fully aware his political career has come to an end as a result of his behaviour," Mr Bishop said.

Rist, he said, had "taken steps" to address his behaviour.

Mr Bishop said the defendant's grandmother was left paralysed after an operation when he was seven.

The court heard his family was told at the end of last year she was going to die "at any time", which she did on New Year's Eve.

Mr Bishop also said his mother had been diagnosed with a serious illness.

"He fully accepts he is responsible for his own actions," said Mr Bishop.

Rist was fined £411 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs, a £164 victim surcharge and £100 compensation to Mr Sayid.