Telford man avoids jail after admitting hate crime

John Tatlock shouted racist comments after drinking in a pub in Wellington back in January 2022.

Author: Molly HookingsPublished 26th Jan 2024

A Telford man has been handed a fine and a suspended sentence after admitting to a hate crime.

John Tatlock, 52, from Second Avenue in Ketley Bank, shouted racist abuse during a night of drinking in Wellington in January 2022.

Tatlock was with friends when a verbal disagreement broke out. This then spilled out into the street, where Tatlock shouted racist abuse towards a member of the public. He was heard by a patrolling police officer, who arrested him.

On Wednesday (24 Jan), he was handed a six-month sentence, suspended for 12 months and was ordered to pay £200 in victim compensation.

PC Peter Rigby said: “Tatlock’s behaviour was completely unacceptable, and this type of behaviour will simply not be tolerated by West Mercia Police. Members of the public should be able to enjoy a night out in Wellington and not be witness to such abusive language.

"I hope this sentence highlights hate crime will be taken seriously, and I would encourage anyone to report such crimes via 101 or through our website at www.westmercia.police.uk.”

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