Racist jailed over abuse and assault on police outside Birmingham station

A racist who abused the public assaulted police officers, and subjected an officer to racist abuse received a three-month prison sentence last week.

Thirty-five-year-old Daniel Barker of Chatterley Drive in Stoke-on-Trent was guilty of five racially aggravated public order offences and one count of assault.

The British Transport Police (BTP) attended calls following reports of a fight outside Birmingham New Street Station on August 25 at 9:10 pm.

Barker was in a drunken state shouting racist and general abuse at station staff and members of the public, and arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Barker then spat at the arresting officer – a further arrest for assaulting an emergency worker.

A BTP officer faced racist abuse from Barker when placed in the vehicle. Upon arrival at custody, the racist abuse continued, with the Custody Sergeant targeted.

Barker did apologise after watching the bodycam footage, the press release added.

After the verdict, the investigating officer, PC Aaron Sephton, said: “This sentence should serve as a warning to others how unacceptable this behaviour is and will not be tolerated. Officers should be safe and free from such abuse when carrying out their duties.”

Appearing at Walsall Magistrates’ Court on August 27, Daniel Barker received a three-month prison sentence and must pay a £154 victim surcharge.

Tell MAMA proudly works alongside the BTP to work toward public safety and support those impacted by racism and all forms of hate crimes when travelling on the rail networks or working at any rail station.

Part of this partnership work includes tailored safety tips, which include advice like:

Note down where on the train you entered – remember the carriage number or letter or if you entered at the front, middle or back of the train

If travelling on the London Underground, remember the above information and note down the number of the carriage (located at the emergency exits of each carriage)

If attacked or abused, try to write down details like their appearance, clothing, and the time of the attack and where possible and safe to do so, take a photograph or video to share with Tell MAMA or the BTP

Copies of the advice in full appear in our Resources section in high-resolution PDFs.

You can get advice from our confidential and free helpline on 0800 456 1226. Or through our free iOS or Android apps. Report through our online form. Or contact us via WhatsApp on 0734 184 6086.