A 28 year old woman from Hitchin has appeared at court in relation to a racially aggravated public order offence, which took place in the town in June of this year.

Caroline Gray from Hitchin, was summoned to attend Stevenage Magistrates' Court yesterday (Wednesday, December 15) following an incident in Market Square, in which she was captured on video using racially offensive language towards a male pedestrian.

Miss Gray pleaded guilty to the offence and was given to a 12 month conditional discharge, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £22.

Detective Inspector Mike Ball said: "It is important that people understand that this type of racist behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"Verbal racial abuse is classified as a hate crime and will be investigated accordingly. Like in this case, you could end up with a criminal record as a result.

"We work very hard in Hertfordshire to encourage people to report race/hate crime and have specialist hate crime officers in post to facilitate this and offer tailored support."

Please note the £22 victim surcharge is a government levy which is used to help victims of crime.

For more information about where to report hate crime visit hertsagainsthate.org