A TEENAGER behaved in an ‘outrageous and disgraceful’ manner when she racially assaulted the manager of a takeaway in Dalton, a court heard.

Niamh Currie, of Storey Square in Dalton, was sentenced for two offences of racially aggravated common assault when she appeared at Preston Crown Court on March 8.

Prosecutor David Clarke said Currie was under the influence of alcohol when she punched Ozan Atesogullari, the manager of the La Luna takeaway on Broughton Street in Dalton, on November 24 2022.

The court heard the defendant was present with Dylan Stephens, who was sentenced in the lower court after pleading guilty to racially aggravated harassment.

READ MORE HERE: Dalton teenager sentenced for racially aggravated harassment

Opening the case, Mr Clarke said: “The defendant first attended the takeaway at 5:30pm where she was treated by staff members for a cut to her hand. On this occasion she was calm but Mr Atesogullari noted that she had a bottle of vodka in her bag.

“Around 7pm she returned to the store with Dylan Stephens and another unidentified male. She ordered a kebab and was unsteady on her feet.

“Her behaviour then became erratic.”

The court heard the unidentified male managed to get Currie and Stephens away from the establishment but they returned soon after.

Mr Clarke told the court the defendant made several racist slurs towards Mr Atesogullari and Aydin Mehmet, who were working at the takeaway.

“The defendant had not calmed down when she returned,” Mr Clarke continued.

“She told the two men ‘go back to your own country’ and then punched Mr Atesogullari to the nose.

“Mr Mehmet was also punched to the face. He was not injured but the manager was left with a bleeding nose and soreness.”

In police interview, Currie conceded that she could not remember fully what had happened because of her intoxication, the court was told.

Mr Atesogullari said in his police statement: “This incident has affected my morale. I am shocked they would behave like this. I have called this country my home for the last 30 years. I do not expect people to react in a racist manner.”

Mr Mehmet told police the racial slurs weighed heavily on him.

He said: “I came to the UK to contribute and work. I wish this did not happen. I am shocked by what was said by someone of such a young age.”

The court heard Currie was aged 17 at the time of the offences and that she had one previous conviction for affray which was dealt with by the youth court in June 2022.

Jimmy Vakil, representing the defendant, said: “The offences were committed whilst she was subject to a referral order.

"She is embarrassed and deeply ashamed of her behaviour. She has sought to disassociate herself from the people she has been connected to.

“She has done an apprenticeship within the care industry and it is hoped she can blossom in the future.”

Sentencing Currie to a 12-month community order with requirements to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, His Honour Judge Ian Unsworth KC said: “Racism has no part in civilised society.

"Your behaviour was outrageous and disgraceful. However, I accept you bitterly regret your actions.

“You have a bright opportunity ahead of you. Those who know you see an entirely different person from how you behaved when you were younger.

“Do not let events like this define you. Make this your last appearance in court.”