Adrian-Costinel Rotaru, 39, admitted criminal damage after he threw a chip-and-pin machine to the floor at Texaco Garage in Smethwick, following an alleged racist remark by a cashier. The incident occurred on November 15, 2025, at around 9.30am, and Rotaru was ordered to pay £200 compensation plus £85 court costs at Dudley Magistrates' Court on July 30.
Long-standing customer questioned payment request
Rotaru, of Francis Road, Ladywood, had been a regular at the petrol station for approximately 16 years. On the morning of the incident, he went to fill up his vehicle but was asked to pay before pumping petrol, a request that made him 'quite unhappy'. He questioned why other customers were not being asked to pay upfront, and according to his account, the cashier responded with 'If you don't like it, go back to Romania'.
The court heard that Rotaru then picked up the chip-and-pin machine, valued at around £200, and threw it on the floor, breaking it. He subsequently left the premises and drove away.
Court acknowledges previous good character
Rotaru's legal representative told the court: 'He has visited this petrol station for 16 years. It was early morning, and for some reason, he was asked to pay first, although numerous people were filling up without having to pay first.'
The court was informed that Rotaru had no previous convictions and was of 'previous good character'. The magistrate acknowledged this, stating: 'We are taking into account your previous good character. We have had a chance to listen to how it all occurred and we are going to go with a compensation order. It was a silly moment, the best thing is to draw a line under it and carry on.'
Compensation and costs ordered
Rotaru pleaded guilty to criminal damage during the hearing and was ordered to pay £200 in compensation for the damaged machine, along with £85 in court costs, totalling £285. The case highlights the potential consequences of reacting to provocation, even when a person feels they have been treated unfairly or subjected to discriminatory remarks.
