Teenager racially abused shop employee

A 17-year-old girl who racially abused and punched a man in an Aberdeen shop spent Christmas in custody.

Kelly Robertson had drunk a large amount of alcohol and taken valium before she went into the Spice Shop in George Street on Christmas Eve, Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard.

Robertson, who appeared from custody on Saturday, admitted acting in a racially aggravated manner which alarmed and upset Sri Lankan Yaseen Sundaramoorthy and punching him on the face.

Fiscal depute John Richardson said the victim was a shop employee.

He became aware of the accused entering the shop at about 8pm and being under the influence of alcohol.

Uncertain of her motives he continued to watch her before asking her to leave, but she became hostile and started shouting abuse.

Defence agent Tony Burgess said first-offender Robertson’s recollection of what happened was “hazy”.

Robertson, of 121 Hutcheon Court, Aberdeen, had consumed alcohol beforehand and “simply could not cope with the effects”, he said.

“She was persuaded to take for the first time valium tablets. It is something she deeply regrets and she has given an undertaking that she will never go back near drugs again.

“She is deeply embarrassed and ashamed of her conduct and wishes me to convey her sincere apologies.”

Sheriff Colin Harris ordered the teenager to be of good behaviour and deferred sentence until June.