Patrick Collier, 40, of Lillie Road in Fulham
A Fulham man who pleaded guilty to distributing Islamophobic literature in and around a local park has been given a 12-month community order, after a joint investigation by H&F Council and the police, with help from the local community.
Patrick Collier, 40, of Lillie Road, admitted to racially aggravated harassment when he appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court on 14 December 2016. He was sentenced at the same court last Friday (13 January).
The court heard 12 incidents took place between 6 October and 8 December 2016, mostly involving stickers with wording that promoted racial hatred, that were placed on lampposts, noticeboards and bus shelters in Lillie Road Recreation Ground and surrounding streets.
The offensive stickers, many of which targeted Islam and promoted white supremacy, were reported to the police and H&F Council’s anti-social behaviour team, after being seen by local residents.
Speaking following the sentencing, H&F Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Cllr Sue Fennimore said: “We will not tolerate racial hatred of any sort in H&F.
“These appalling views do not reflect who we are as a borough, or as a society and we will continue to work closely with the police to stamp out this kind of offensive behaviour.
“The partnership working on this case has been fantastic and my thanks to everyone involved.”
H&F Council’s Community Safety Team worked with the Met Police and Parks Police and installed a mobile CCTV camera in the location where the stickers had been found. Mr Collier was later caught on camera applying a sticker.
He was later arrested after a local police officer recognised a still image of him from the CCTV footage. The court heard further stickers were found both on his person and at his home.
During the investigation, officers also liaised closely with schools and local communities to provide reassurance and advice on how to address any concerns.
At last week’s sentencing, the court also ordered Mr Collier to complete a rehabilitation order of 35 days, pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £85.
An order was made for all the remaining stickers to be destroyed.
For information about reporting an incident of racial abuse please visit this web page.
