A woman appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday after shouting racist abuse at a fellow customer in a bank.
Michelle Horrell claimed she lashed out at Moklis Khan after becoming frustrated by a telephone call to her mobile phone provider.
The incident took place on Tuesday, June 7, at the Bank of Scotland premises on Elgin High Street.
Fiscal Alison Wylie said: “The accused was speaking on her mobile phone, when she shouted a racist description of Mr Khan very loudly into it.
“This was heard by other witnesses, and Mr Khan was shocked and upset by the remarks.”
Solicitor Matthew O’Neill insisted his 47-year-old client had not intended to cause any offence.
He added: “She had been on the phone to her mobile phone provider, trying to sort out some difficulties with her contract.
“She was unable to arrange the contract she wanted, and felt a certain frustration.
“Unfortunately, she took this out on the gentleman who was standing in front of her.
“It was an impulse and she did not mean to cause any offence.”
Horrell, of 5 Roysvale Terrace in Forres, later admitted acting in a racially aggravated manner intended to cause alarm and distress.
Sheriff Chris Dickson lamented the “horrible and offensive” language used by the accused and noted she had been before the court on a similar charge previously.
He sentenced her to remain under supervision for a year.
