A Salford woman who has repeatedly racially abused a neighbouring family has been given a suspended prison sentence.
A court heard how Rita Heaton threatened her victims in abuse dating as far back as 2018, when she launched a racist tirade and slashed their children's trampoline with a knife.
She was then handed a 12-month injunction order but, earlier this year, she repeated her vile attacks on the family in the middle of the street when she called them 'scum' and shouted they had 'brought diseases' into the country. She also made threats to punch one of their children.
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Housing association, Salix Homes, again took legal action against Heaton, of Rigby Street, Higher Brougton, following the racially motivated incident, which took place on July 14, 2021.
A court hearing at Manchester Civil Justice Centre heard how Heaton, aged 65, was stood in the road outside her neighbour’s home making threats and shouting racist abuse while the victim’s children played in their front garden.
The victim said the incident left him fearing for his and his family’s safety.
The civil court granted Salix Homes a 12-month anti-social-behaviour injunction order, with power of arrest, against Heaton, which prevent her from threatening the family or any of their visitors with violence. The order will remain in place until July 28, 2022.
Greater Manchester Police also investigated and Heaton was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence. She appeared at Greater Manchester Magistrates’ Court on July 21 where she pleaded guilty.
She was handed a restraining order, preventing her from going near the family or their home, which will remain in place until July 20, 2023.
Heaton also given a community order and placed under a 10-week curfew, with conditions for her to remain at home between 6pm and 6am. She was also ordered to pay a £95 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
But Heaton was back in court at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ on September 24 following a breach of the restraining order after she launched another racist tirade outside her victim’s house on August 24.
This time she was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and she is also required to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity.
Salix Homes says it is now considering further legal action.
Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “This was a particularly shocking and frightening incident, which left an innocent family scared for their safety and subject to a torrent of racial abuse.
“The safety of our residents is a priority for Salix Homes, and we will not tolerate any kind of abuse against people living in our communities.
“We welcome the court’s decision to grant an injunction order in this case, however due to the seriousness of the incident, we are now considering what further legal action can be taken.
“This week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 9-16) and we hope this case will serve as a warning that we will not hesitate to take swift legal action where necessary, and will work closely with the police, to ensure our communities remain safe and happy places to live.”
