Bomb expert admits race abuse in shop

A BOMB disposal expert became racially abusive at a supermarket in the Capital after binge drinking, a court heard.

Roderick Grindlay committed a breach of the peace and racially abused staff at a Scotmid store in Leith Walk on 3 April this year, the city's Sheriff Court was told yesterday.

Grindlay, of Brougham Street, admitted the offences.

Fiscal depute, Mairi Vernon, told Sheriff James Scott that just after 7pm a supervisor became aware of a disturbance at the till area. Grindlay was shouting loudly at a female customer and being abusive to her.

He was quite agitated and when the supervisor approached him he became racially abusive and shouted he should go back to his own country.

Defence agent Paul Dunn said Grindlay, a civilian attached to the army in "explosive ordinance clearance", had begun binge drinking and had been drinking all day.

He was deeply ashamed of his conduct, said Mr Dunn, as he did not regard himself as a racist.

He travelled all over the world with the army on "hands-on" bomb disposal work and got on well with all nationalities.

Grindlay, he added, had sought counselling and was being referred to a psychologist for treatment.

Sheriff Scott deferred sentence until December for Grindlay to be of good behaviour and to undergo counselling.