A MAN who refused to attend his trial after hurling racist abuse at shop workers in Colchester has been convicted and sentenced.

Terry Poole, 38, of no fixed address, was charged with racially aggravated harassment, using threatening or abusive words or behaviour and criminal damage, each of which he denied.

He failed to attend a trial held at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 21, but was convicted on each count and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He was arrested on Thursday, November 23, and brought back before the court on Friday, November 24, where he was sentenced to a community order, with conditions to complete a drug rehabilitation requirement and an exclusion order keeping him from the shop.

Poole must also complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Officer in the case PC Bowyer, of Colchester’s city centre policing team, said: “Keeping shop workers and businesses safe is a priority for our team.

“The actions of Poole were utterly unacceptable. The language he used towards the victims, who are hard-working and upstanding members of the Colchester community, was disgusting.

“The victims have been supported throughout this lengthy process and I would like to praise them for the strength and dignity they have displayed.”

It comes as the 38-year-old purchased alcohol from a shop in the High Street on the afternoon of June 3, 2022.

He also attempted to buy some deodorant but was unable to pay and became aggressive when refused service.

Poole directed racist and abusive language towards the shopkeeper and a shop worker, before eventually leaving the premises.

He was then seen on CCTV repeatedly hitting the shop window, causing damage.

Essex Police was called, and officers arrived on the scene within ten minutes.

Poole was promptly arrested and taken into custody.

In his statement to officers, one victim said: “Initially I was not too fussed about this incident, however when he started to cause trouble in the store which could affect our customers, I was not happy about this.

“I also do not think it is acceptable, what he has said regarding the racial remarks and the damage caused.

“We will now have to pay for this out of our own earnings and expenses.”