Man convicted of racially abusing KFC takeaway worker

A Norwich man convicted of racially-aggravated assault on a fast-food restaurant worker has been ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

Robin Carway, 26, of Primrose Crescent, Thorpe St Andrew, appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court yesterday after previously being found guilty of the offence at trial.

Judith Piggin, prosecuting, told the court that on February 1 at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, Carway had shouted a racist remark and had tried to launch himself over the counter and punch KFC worker Zak Sweddin after Mr Sweddin had refused to serve him.

She said Mr Sweddin had asked Carway to leave because he had caused trouble at the fast food restaurant on a previous occasion. She said when Carway tried to punch Mr Sweddin on February 1, Carway did not make contact with him but knocked the till to the floor.

She said Mr Sweddin had felt threatened and felt that it was a deliberate attempt to try and punch him, and that he was upset about the language Carway had used towards him.

In police interview Carway had said he had been out drinking that night and that he could not recall using racist language.

Alistair Taunton, defending, said Carway had always accepted most of his behaviour but that he disputed making the racist comment. He said Carway could not recall making the comment, and that Carway had been having family difficulties and had consumed too much alcohol.

Carway was given a 12-month community order and told to do 150 hours of unpaid work. He also ordered to pay �310 towards costs. Carway was also in breach of a conditional discharge for a previous offence and for this he was ordered yesterday to pay a �60 fine.