Man jailed for nine months after daubing swastika and racist slogans on side of hairdressers in Wales

It was reported on Thursday that a man in Wales has been jailed for nine months after daubing swastikas and racist slogans on the side of a hairdressers.

David Elwyn Richards, 52, admitted to shouting abuse and racially harassing Reece Nash in Johnstown, Wrexham on 14th December. Mr Richards also admitted to racially aggravated damage after he painted the hairdressers that Mr Nash resided above with swastikas and racist slogans.

It was also reported that Mr Richards had Nazi-related tattoos on his body, and when police visited his home, they found that his bedroom was covered in “racist and antisemitic symbols and slogans”.

Judge Niclas Parry reportedly had to send Mr Richards out of the courtroom during the sentencing due to multiple disruptions.

Addressing the defence’s suggestion that a rehabilitation activity programme may be a more effective means of addressing Mr Richards’ issues, Judge Parry disagreed, stating: “This is a case about blatant ugly racism. It must be understood that racism will not be allowed to flourish.”

“This display of hateful behaviour was not merely verbal, it was painted on the front of a respectable business and left a scar on that community,” said Judge Parry, before adding that it was “grossly offensive, disgusting racial abuse.”

Mr Richards was also given a restraining order, until a further order, not to contact Mr Nash or Brenda Coulter, the owner of the hairdressers. He was also forbidden from entering Merlin Street, where the hairdressers is located and where Mr Nash resides.

Image credit: North Wales Police