A furious shopkeeper laid into a policeman for han

A furious shopkeeper laid into a policeman for handing
out a parking ticket to a woman, a court heard.

Albert Stennett, 49, stormed out of his shop when the
bobby continued to write the ticket as the worried customer
rushed to her illegally parked car.

Backed up by three pals, Stennett accused Pc Ian Jones
of being racist against the black driver and then punched him
in the face, Inner London Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Miss Rebecca Poulet said Stennett then back
into his shop where he punched, bit, and hit the officer with
a bucket.

Stennett, of Endymion Road, Brixton, denies assault
occaisioning actual bodily harm and affray.

The defendant, who
is also black, claims he acted in self-defence after being
subjected to an unprovoked attack by police.

The court was told Pc Jones, from Brixton Police Station,
had been on patrol with the Vehicle Recovery Unit in Cold Harbour
Lane when the clash took place at 5.

10 pm on March 26 of this
year.

Miss Poulet said he had started to write out a parking
ticket for an illegally parked grey hatch back car outside Mr
Stennett’s shop, ‘Exclusive Men’s Wear’ when the motorist
returned.

‘The woman stood by as the officer continued to complete
the ticket.

‘As he did so, four men came out the shop, including Mr
Stennett.

He started to shout at Pc Jones, saying: ”You’re fucking
racist, just let her go – you racist scum,” alleged counsel.

Miss Poulet said he shouted to the woman to drive off –
saying: ‘He can’t nick you.

‘.

She said the dumbfounded officer, denied he was being
racist, and told him: ‘Don’t be stupid – that’s not the reason
why I’m giving out a parking ticket.

‘
The jury was told the officer tried to ignore the outburst,
but Stennett continued to shout at him in front of a gathering crowd
in the street.

Just as Pc Jones turned around to confront his abuser,
Stennett punched him in the face, it was alleged.

The shopkeeper was chased back into his shop by Pc Jones,
who radioed for assistance.

Stennett was then said to have punched him again and
bitten his left hand.

‘The officer’s truncheon was snatched away and he received
a blow from a bucket.

‘
Pc Jones captured Stennett fleeing out of the back of the
shop.

Counsel said that a huge crowd of people had gathered
around the shop and were shouting at police.

Pc Jones was examined by the police doctor and was found
to have bruises on his body.

The trial continues
ends.