An Islington businessman has been found guilty of common assault against two members of Islington Council staff.
The case against Mr Gursel Kartal, 25, of Kartal Newsagents, Barnsbury Road was brought by the Crown Prosecution Service, as a result of two separate incidents in which Mr Kartal shouted homophobic abuse at a member of council staff at Islington Parking Services and an Islington parking attendant, as they went about their duties.
The two crimes were heard as separate cases at Highbury Magistrates court on Tuesday 7 November. Mr Kartal was sentenced on Friday 10 November to a 12 month rehabilitation order, 200 hours community service and was ordered to pay £50 each to both victims.
Cllr Lucy Watt, Islington Council's Deputy Leader, said: "Given the nature of this crime, I think the two victims showed tremendous courage and personal dignity in bringing their cases to court.
"I hope this prosecution sends out a clear message that the council will not tolerate abusive behaviour towards members of staff."
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008