Jez Stracey-Kemp, a 40-year-old man from Wolverhampton, has admitted sending a barrage of racist and homophobic text messages to a West Midlands Police officer. The abuse was motivated by his frustration over phones seized during a separate investigation that had not been returned.
Details of the Abuse
Between March 31 and April 10, Stracey-Kemp bombarded the officer with calls and messages on his work-issued mobile phone. The texts included racial slurs such as 'f****** white n****' and homophobic insults like 'I don't like gay b******* like you, w*****.' He also referred to the officer as 'PC p**** face' and a 'k******* p****.'
Despite being asked 'several times' to stop contacting the officer, Stracey-Kemp continued his harassment. The court heard that the officer was 'shocked' by the language used.
Court Proceedings
During a hearing at Dudley Magistrates' Court on July 9, Stracey-Kemp pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the officer said: 'Nobody should be subject to racist or homophobic abuse. It's important the impact of such behaviour is recognised.'
In mitigation, Katherine Maynereid told the court that Stracey-Kemp had 'a lot of difficulties' and was prone to 'sudden mood swings.' She explained: 'His case had finished and he wanted his phones back. He didn't believe the officer was getting them back quick enough, he was focused on his phones. When he didn't get them back, he felt an injustice and couldn't get past that. He does understand what he did was wrong.'
Sentence
Stracey-Kemp, of Blackburn Avenue, Wolverhampton, was given a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £150 compensation and handed a 12-month restraining order, banning him from contacting the officer. The magistrate warned him: 'You cannot use language like that about anybody, even if you get frustrated.'
