A man has been fined for racial harassment in Harrogate.

Jonathan Bellerby, 71, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (October 16) where he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Bellerby, of Dragon Parade, admitted one count racially aggravated harassment toward a named victim on May 5 this year.

Georgina Fishwick, prosecuting, said the incident happened over a “parking dispute” on Fawcett Drive in Harrogate.

Ms Fishwick said Bellerby parked beside the named victim which blocked them in.

The court heard that the 71-year-old had been helping with work at one of the properties in the street on the day of the incident.

Magistrates were told the ongoing work at one of the houses had caused issues with parking among neighbours.

Bellerby had left his work bag at the property and returned to get it, when he parked outside the named victim’s house.

The court heard that when the victim returned, an argument ensued and words were exchanged.

Ms Fishwick said Bellerby called the named victim and her partner a “p*ki”, “Pakistani b*stards” and said they “do not belong here”.

Not aware of parking issues

Andrew Tinning, defending, said the incident was not as straightforward as the prosecution case put forward.

Mr Tinning said Bellerby was “not aware of parking issues” on the street, but had not parked in front of the neighbours’ properties regardless.

The defence added that the defendant had parked outside the named victim’s property when he returned to the area after forgetting his work bag as he felt he would only be a minute.

Mr Tinning said once the victim returned “words were exchanged” and Bellerby manoeuvred his car around theirs.

He said:

The defence said it was the named victim who followed Bellerby to the property and shouted “f*ck off you b*stard”.

Mr Tinning added:

Magistrates fined Bellerby £120 and ordered him to pay court costs of £85 and a victims’ surcharge of £48.