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BNP member guilty of race hate offence
A MEMBER of the British National Party was found guilty today of a race hate offence in a unique case in which the victim was absent and completely unknown.
Robert McGlynn, 40, of Llansamlet, Swansea, South Wales, claimed the case against him was biased from the start and should never have got to court.
McGlynn was convicted of racially aggravated disorderly conduct at Swansea magistrates’ court after a lengthy hearing today.
But the sole witness against him had been given a prestigious award by the South Wales Police for her part in the case, before it had even taken place.
Swansea receptionist Lydia Rees, 43, was given the force’s Community Safety Volunteer of the Year Award earlier this summer.
As the key and sole witness for the prosecution against McGlynn she told today how he shouted and gestured at a traditionally-clothed Asian woman in the street. Mrs Rees said she was shocked to hear him shout what she took to be “Paki whore” and “Sieg Heil” at the woman through his open car window.
As a result Mrs Rees followed him to a nearby garage in her own car, took down his registration and reported him to the police. McGlynn was arrested and charged about one week later but his victim never came forward and remains unknown.
source : icWales
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