Local News · Salisbury
Salisbury man sentenced after racist abuse forced neighbours to flee home
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A Salisbury man has been sentenced for a campaign of racially aggravated harassment that led his neighbours to move out of their home on Charles Street.
A 32-year-old Salisbury man has been sentenced after admitting to a campaign of racially aggravated abuse against his neighbours, which resulted in the couple being forced to leave their home.
George Cooper, of Charles Street, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court on Friday, October 30, following a series of incidents that took place between May and June 2026. The court heard that Cooper targeted the couple with sustained verbal abuse, including telling them, "You should not be in this country," and making direct threats to their lives. He also made disparaging comments regarding their length of residence in the UK.
In a statement read to the court, the victim, Mr Alam, described the impact the harassment had on their lives. "We began to feel frightened and unsafe in our own home," he said. "We felt we had to relocate and leave the property because we did not feel safe next to him."
During the proceedings, Cooper pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated harassment without violence, as well as possession of an offensive weapon—specifically a knuckle duster—and assaulting an emergency worker. The assault on a police officer occurred on June 21 and resulted in the officer suffering scrapes to his arm and leg.
In his defence, Cooper’s solicitor claimed that the defendant did not harbour malicious intent towards those of foreign descent and alleged that he had previously felt threatened by his neighbours, citing disputes over noise such as shouting and door slamming. The defence added that Cooper, who has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, had contacted the police on multiple occasions regarding these issues prior to the harassment taking place. It was noted that the knuckle duster found in his possession was never used.
Magistrates handed Cooper an 18-month community order, which includes a requirement to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £900 in total compensation, with £400 awarded to each of his former neighbours and £100 to the police officer he assaulted.
Source: Salisbury Journal — Salisbury · View original