Tenant fined for racist remark to her landlord

A tenant in South Shields has pleaded guilty to racially abusing her landlord after she was threatened with eviction.

Kelly Bonner, 31, of Westoe Road, lost her temper during a dispute with her partner, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

The court heard that when her landlord intervened she called him a racially offensive name, landing Bonner with a community order of 12 months, including 15 days of rehabilitation activity. She was also ordered to pay £85 costs.

Paul Anderson, prosecuting, said: “She lives in a flat above a chip shop. It was she who called the police after her partner refused to leave the flat.

“He had attempted to harm himself, and was eventually taken to hospital. The commotion attracted the attention of Ms Bonner’s landlord, who was present at the same time as the police.

“He told her that if things didn’t calm down, he would have to ask her to leave the flat. She responded by calling him a racially offensive name.” 

The court was told that Bonner was carrying a small amount of cannabis at the time of her arrest.

Anderson added: “When interviewed she said she couldn’t remember exactly what had been said. She admitted she had lost her temper, and had been arguing with the landlord.

“But she said she was not a racist, and would only have made the remark in the heat of the moment.”

Bonner admitted admitted racially aggravated threatening behaviour.

Angus Westgarth, defending, said: “Prior to this incident Ms Bonner had been beaten by her drugs dealer over a £500 debt. She has mental health problems, and her partner was in the flat trying to self-harm. She was in a dreadful position.

“Ms Bonner has since apologised to the landlord, who in turn is allowing her to stay in the accommodation.” 

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