Southwick man sentenced for racially abusing father on a bus in front of child

A Southwick man has been handed a community order after racially abusing a father in front of the man’s six-year-old son on a bus, causing the child to cry.

Lee Meyers, 57, of Carly Row in Southwick, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court where he admitted one count of racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.

The incident happened on Wednesday, June 25, when Meyers, who had consumed up to seven pints of alcohol, shouted at the man and his young son after they boarded a bus in Houghton-le-Spring. Prosecutor Jade Houston told the court that Meyers repeatedly used racist language and told the family, “This is my country, not yours.”

A fellow passenger intervened and the abuse stopped. Police later reviewed CCTV footage and identified Meyers.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said he was distressed that his son had been subjected to racist abuse in a public setting.

A report from the Probation Service described Meyers’ behaviour as “wholly unacceptable” and noted concerns that his views appeared “deep-seated.”

Defence solicitor Alastair Naismith said Meyers had been without prescribed mental-health medication for several months due to an error at his pharmacy, and that this—combined with alcohol—contributed to his behaviour, though “not the words themselves.”

He also stated there had been “language on both sides.”

Magistrates criticised Meyers for directing abuse at a family and emphasised that drink was not an excuse. Chair of the bench Harry Metcalfe told him:

“Drink in, wits out. It is always disappointing to see someone with no previous convictions in this position. You only get one chance, and you’ve lost it.”

Meyers was handed a nine-month community order, including 12 rehabilitation activity days, and ordered to pay a £120 fine, £114 victim surcharge, and £85 court costs.