Indian-born shop employee told to speak in English or have his throat cut

An Indian-born supermarket worker in a Scottish town was told to start speaking in English or he would have his throat cut.

Edinburgh, Oct.24 : An Indian-born supermarket worker in a Scottish town was told to start speaking in English or he would have his throat cut.

The 22-year-old, who was chatting in his native language on his mobile phone, was threatened with an eight-centimetre blade as he walked home at 2:30 a.m. from his shift.

At Selkirk Sheriff Court yesterday, Brian McCrindle, 38, was tagged for three months after he admitted making a racially aggravated threat and also being in possession of an offensive weapon. The incident happened in Melrose Road, Galashiels, on June 26.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting told the court: "It was a very frightening incident against someone who was just minding his own business."

Sheriff Kevin Drummond told McCrindle: "A man coming home from his work carrying messages getting accosted by a drunk uttering racist abuse and threats is utterly unacceptable.

"If it had not been for the fact you have not been in any trouble since 1993 you would be going straight to jail."

McCrindle of Walkerburn, Peeblesshire, was given a three-month restriction of liberty order. He must stay at his home address between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

ANI