Glasgow Man Jailed for Racial Abuse and Threats Outside Busy Station
Stephen Barrett, 28, from Dunblane Street, Glasgow, has been slapped with a seven-month prison sentence for racially aggravated behaviour.
Racial Abuse Sparks Police Action
The shocking incident happened on the evening of 20 July 2021. Barrett approached a 42-year-old man standing with two rail workers under a canopy on Gordon Street, right outside Glasgow station.
When the victim refused Barrett’s request for a cigarette, Barrett erupted with a torrent of racial abuse. He hurled vile insults, calling the man a “terrorist” and even threatened to stab him.
Quick Police Response Leads to Arrest
Three British Transport Police officers on patrol jumped into action. They found Barrett shouting and swearing outside the Toby Jug pub nearby. He was promptly arrested and taken into custody.
Despite the evidence, Barrett insisted, “I’m not racist” while being cautioned.
Police Take Hate Crime Seriously
BTP Constable Macdonald said: “Barrett’s criminal actions on that summer’s evening were not only revolting but caused significant distress to the victim and the public in the area at the time.
“I would like to thank the witnesses who greatly assisted us in our investigation and the courts for handing down an adequately strong custodial sentence.”
“We take incidents of hate crime extremely seriously. Behaviour where someone is targeted because of who they are or made to feel uncomfortable will not be tolerated anywhere on the railway network.”
“If you’re a victim of a hate crime, please report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 – no report is too small or too trivial, we will always take you seriously.”
Barrett’s case sends a clear message: hate will not be tolerated in Glasgow or on the rails.
