A MAN who directed racist abuse towards a stranger at a bus stop – including calling him “chocolate boy” – has avoided being sent to prison.

Jackey Smyth, 61, was waiting on a bus on August 14 last year when another man approached the same shelter on Dumbarton Road, Thornwood.

Smyth, of Knightswood, became racially abusive to the man, who was completely unknown to him.

He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday after previously pleading guilty to uttering offensive and racist remarks as well as attempting to spit at a police officer.

The court heard: “The complainer approached the bus stop and observed the accused there.

“At this point, an unknown male and female walked away and in response to this, the accused said to the complainer, ‘that’s because you’re Black’. The complainer ignored the accused and the accused stated, ‘come here chocolate boy’.

“The complainer then asked the accused to repeat what he had said to which the accused replied ‘n***a, n***a, n***a’, and this was repeated several times.

“The accused further made mention of the complainer belonging to him if it was 300 years ago.

“A witness at the bus stop overheard the accused stating ‘it’s people like him that’s wrong with the world’.”

Glasgow Times:

Police were contacted and the man attempted to walk away from Smyth.

However, Smyth began lunging and running towards him.

Officers attended and saw Smyth sitting on the bench within the bus stop. He was heard shouting ‘Black boy’ towards the man.

The prosecutor added: “When officers attempted to arrest the accused, he tried to spit at an officer, narrowly missing him.

“He was conveyed to Govan police office.”

Smyth, who has been dependent on alcohol throughout much of his adult life, was intoxicated at the time of the offence.

His defence solicitor said: “This is not an excuse, but provides background. There’s no getting away from the seriousness of this matter.

“It was extremely unpleasant for all involved. He is fully aware that all options are open today.

“He has previous convictions but there is a break in offending between 2013 and 2019. This shows he can live a crime free life.”

The lawyer told Sheriff Mary Shields that his client would benefit from a community-based disposal as he is trying to get back into employment.

Smyth was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and stay within his home address between 7pm-7am for six months.