'Landmark' race conviction upheld

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A British National Party member has lost his appeal against a conviction for racially abusing an Asian woman.

Robert McGlynn, of Llansamlet, Swansea, was fined by magistrates for making a Nazi salute and shouting abuse.

She did not complain and has never been traced or identified but McGlynn was convicted of racially aggravated disorderly conduct last September.

A judge at Swansea Crown Court upheld the verdict. The case has been called a "landmark" by an anti-racism body.

Swansea Bay Race Equality Council said it hopes the case will encourage other people to report similar incidents to the police.

'Act as warning'

The incident happened in June last year in the Hafod area of Swansea.

McGlynn was seen shouting abuse at a traditionally-clothed Asian woman at a road junction where a passing motorist was so shocked at McGlynn's behaviour she followed him and took down his car registration number.

His barrister Francis Jones argued the "insults" did not break the law.

But Judge John Diehl said he was satisfied McGlynn had made the salute and that the object of abuse had been the Asian woman.

Speaking after the case, Taha Idris, director of the Swansea Bay Race Equality Council, welcomed the judge's ruling.

He said: "This landmark case should signify to any victims in the future that there are many more people within our communities who should be willing to come forward and give evidence should they see or hear any such racist behaviour.

"It should also act as a warning to those who are intent on racist behaviour that the communities of Swansea will not tolerate their bigotry."

McGlynn was ordered to pay £140 costs for the appeal on top of the £200 fine and £200 costs originally imposed by Swansea Magistrates Court.