A student’s abusive language towards a security guard landed her in court (Image: Matthew Horwood, Getty Images)
A student hurled a racially abusive insult at a hospital security guard, calling him a “f***ing Welsh c***”, before arguing that her comment was not racist. However, Layla Ahmed later conceded that her tirade at Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales was indeed racially offensive.
The 20 year old psychology student had visited the Heath hospital on December 8 last year with her sister, who “was having seizures”, defence solicitor Amelia Butt informed Cardiff Magistrates’ Court. “This can be seen in footage where she is seen to be having a seizure on the floor in the background,” Ms Butt elaborated.
“Miss Ahmed was frustrated at staff not being able to treat her sister and she accepts she made comments solely out of desperation in the heat of the moment.”
Prosecutor Nicholas Evans stated that the defendant became aggressive and was asked to leave by security guard Ian Sullivan. Ahmed then insulted Mr Sullivan: “You f***ing Welsh c***.”
The student followed up by asking ‘How is that racist?’ (Image: Huw Fairclough, Getty Images)
When he requested her to stop using racist language, she retorted: “How is that racist? You’re white. You’re Welsh.”
Despite being from a proud nation with a long history of independence, the Welsh are not a racial group. However, under the Equality Act 2010, national origin is a protected characteristic and discrimination against it is considered unlawful racial discrimination.
The student, residing on Catherine Street in Cathays, admitted to racially-aggravated harassment.
Ms Butt explained that her client had been concerned about her sister’s condition. “She is remorseful,” the solicitor told the court. “She accepts she should not have said what she said. She is 20 years old and has never been arrested before or since.”
Layla Ahmed after being sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court (Image: Conor Gogarty)
Ahmed receives a student loan of £3,400 every four months and works part-time as a support worker, earning approximately £100 per week.
Ms Butt contended, “I don’t agree it was a substantial disturbance,” adding, “It was not a situation where other intervention or additional assistance was required.”
While delivering his verdict, District Judge Rhys Williams remarked, “You were frustrated by the situation. You were asked to leave by the security guard and you used abusive language towards him.”
The judge noted the seriousness of the offence, saying, “That language included a racial element and it was directed at a security guard who was only doing his job in that situation.”
Judge Williams then decided on the punitive measures: a £120 fine, plus £50 compensation for the victim, prosecution costs of £85, and a victim services surcharge of £48.
The court ordered Ahmed to settle the fines in instalments, setting a minimum payment of £20 per month.
