A Christian charity activist, who launched into a violent boozy race-hate rant at betting-shop staff after losing £250 winnings on a gaming machine, dodged prison with a suspended sentence yesterday.
Elvis Zeidins, 32, of Shirley Gardens, Barking, Essex – the former night shelter co-ordinator with Haringey Christian Community Trust – admits his outburst was “completely unacceptable.”
He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to racially aggravated threatening behaviour at the Brixton Ladbrokes on May 28 and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for a year.
A senior member of Barkingside’s St. Francis of Assisi church supported Zeidins in court and the defendant’s lawyer Mr. David Rhodes said: “It offends his Christian sensibilities to offend in this way.”
Prosecutor Mr. Paul Rattigan told the court: “He could not get a refund in relation to money he said he won on the gaming machine and staff told him he would have to register a complaint.
“He could not accept that and tried to smash the counter with a chair while racially abusing a black female member of staff.
“He made monkey-type gesticulations and called her a: ‘Fucking black bitch, black monkey,’ while cupping his hands under his armpits and telling her she should go back home.”
Police arrived and arrested Zeidins, who had consumed four pints of beer and two whiskeys while watching live football in a nearby pub.
“He told the police he was annoyed he had lost the money, but did not accept the allegations he was accused of,” added Mr. Rattigan.
“He apologises for this completely unacceptable behaviour,” said Mr. Rhodes. “He is now making a real contribution to society through full-time and charitable work.
“He is a devout Christian and enjoys great support from his church.
“This offence was completely out of character and he accepts there was an alcohol and gambling problem.
“He was two hundred and fifty pounds up when the machine switched itself off, lost his temper, saw red and went into a rage.”
Judge Robert Fraser told Zeidins: “It was a particularly disgraceful episode, a totally unacceptable way of dealing with that lady who was only doing her job.
“You called her names and your behaviour was clearly racially motivated and she was no doubt upset and scared.
“You are clearly more than capable of doing a great deal of work for other people and although you richly deserve a short period of custody I am going to suspend it.”
Zeidins was also ordered to complete 80 hours community service work and be subject to six months supervision.
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