Belfast man fined for calling hotel staff: ‘Gay Afghan slaves’

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A hotel guest in Belfast who called staff “gay Afghan slaves” has been fined £350 and told to grow up by a judge.

David Ian Conley, 35, of Ballymoney, pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly behaviour.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard he was arrested after police were called to the Ibis Hotel on King Street in the early hours of 12 May.

Two members of staff had complained that Conley verbally abused them for 20 minutes.

UTV reports Conley ranted:”  “These two are just gay Afghan slaves and they are not happy as I have just outed them to the world.”

The 35-year-old ignored warnings from officers and continued the tirade.

A prosecution lawyer said his next outburst was: “They are not worthy of anything more than barmen.”

The court was told he further declared: “I’m an educated person, I went to a grammar school. I know how to philosophise.”

A defence solicitor said Conley had been drinking and started arguing with staff when he was told to go to bed.

“He apologises for his behaviour,” the lawyer added.

Imposing the £350 fine, plus a £15 offender levy, District Judge Fiona Bagnall said: “He’s past the age for behaving in this way.

“People are only trying to do their job.”

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