Byline: By LINDA RICHARDS
SHE racially abused a shopkeeper and allegedly threatened to slash
him with a glass.
But Tracy Forster claims she is sorry for her loutish behaviour.
She says she bitterly regrets her actions after she stole four cans
of lager from the Nisa Store on Coatsworth Road, Bensham, Gateshead.
Her family, she claims, have disowned her since the Chronicle
revealed the details of her violent struggle with Saki Ghafoor as he
detained her outside his convenience store.
The 36-year-old shouted racial abuse, tried to headbutt him and
threatened to punch him and slash him with a glass.
At Gateshead Magistrates' Court, Forster, of Elsdon Terrace,
Percy Main, pleaded guilty to the May 31 theft and to
racially-aggravated public disorder. She also admitted two further shop
thefts.
Magistrates gave her a community order for 18 months and told her
to pay pounds 120 costs.
When Forster failed to pay at the shop, Mr Ghafoor called the
police and followed her.
Prosecutor Justin Gibson said: "She was racially abusive
repeatedly and threatened to punch him," said Mr Gibson.
"He had taken hold of her by both arms. She began struggling
violently trying to headbutt him backwards."
She also called to a man who was with her to get a glass so she
could glass the shopkeeper.
When police arrived she continued to struggle and had to be
handcuffed.
Tim Gregory, defending, said Forster has always denied threatening
to glass the victim.
"She regrets her actions bitterly. She accepts she acted
inappropriately but she perceived herself to be at risk of harm,"
added Mr Gregory.
"She is not racist by nature. Her judgement was impaired by
alcohol consumption."
After sentencing, Forster told the court: "I have been
disowned by my family because it has been in the papers."
Mr Ghafoor, 30, said after the case: "I think she should have
got a prison sentence but now she is back on the streets.
"She may say she is sorry but if she tries to come into the
shop again she will not be welcome."
CAPTION(S):
VICTIM: Saki Ghafoor says Tracy Forster should have been locked up;
GUILTY: Forster admitted theft and a disorder charge
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