A former police race relations advisor who made headlines around the world after he was Tasered by a constable has been found not guilty of racially abusing a man in a betting shop.
Judah Adunbi, a community elder in Bristol, was accused of calling a man “white scum” and threatening him. Adunbi denied that he had threatened the man or used racist words.
He told the court: “I would never, never insult people on the colour of their skin. It is impossible.”
Deputy district judge Steven Jonas was provided with references for Adunbi by Bristol’s lord mayor, Cllr Cleo Lake, as well as Alex Raikes, strategic director for the charity Stand Against Racism & Inequality.
Jonas said it had been a very odd case, adding: “Having had the benefit of watching the CCTV, and seen the hand gestures you were making, I was sure you’d behaved in such a way that would make you guilty.
“But then I heard you give your evidence – or rather, I watched you give your evidence, as you were very animated with your hands.
“It became clear that there is an interpretation issue here. I cannot be sure – and I find you not guilty.”
The Taser incident unfolded last year outside Judah’s house in Easton, Bristol. A video taken by a passerby was widely shared on social media and made headlines around the world.
Last month a court was told acting sergeant Claire Boddie shot 64-year-old Adunbi with a Taser after mistaking him for a man wanted on drugs charges.
The officer had told Adunbi that he looked “familiar” and, after he refused to give his name, a scuffle broke out and she discharged the stun gun, hitting him in the jaw.
She told the court she discharged her weapon believing Adunbi had taken up a “fighting stance” and said had not known whether he had a weapon. Boddie was found not guilty of assault after a one-day trial.
