Student Found Guilty of 'Disgusting' Racist Chant

 

A video which was posted on social media and later went viral in early March of Joe Tivnan shows him chanting 'we hate blacks'. 

 

Tivnan has admitted to the racially aggravated harassment. 

 

On the 5 March between the hours of 9:30pm and midnight, the 19-year-old had been taking part in a fellow undergraduate's birthday celebrations at Nottingham Trent University with about 20 other students. He was recorded by first-year student Rufaro Chisango as he chanted "we hate the blacks". The incident distressed Chisango and caused her to move to alternative accommodation.

 

At a hearing at Nottingham magistrates court. He was ordered to pay Chisango £500 compensation and £310 in fines and costs. Tivnan, of The Parklands in Erdington, Birmingham, admitted using threatening or abusive words that caused distress to Chisango

 

On Thursday, the district judge, Leo Pyle, told Tivnan: "You went off to continue your evening and this woman was too frightened to even leave her room. These words were described by other students as shocking, disgusting, appalling and disgraceful. It was entirely understandable that she felt what was being chanted was being aimed at her."

 

Opening the case, Anna Pierrepont, prosecuting, said: "It is said that a group of students were becoming intoxicated and had become rather noisy. Chisango went to her door to see what was happening as she heard something similar to a football chant.

 

"She felt very upset and very uncomfortable. She was the only black person living on that floor. She was so distressed she messaged her mother for advice.

 

Chisango said: "The entire incident was overwhelming and offensive. Such appalling behaviour will not be tolerated."

 

Tivnan told the judge: "I wish to make an unreserved apology to anyone who has been affected by my behaviour in this case.

 

"It was just mutual repartee between me and a mixed-race friend. It was still unacceptable language and I am ashamed by my behaviour. I am truly sorry for the distress I have caused."

 

Steve Ramsell, defending, said: "His university place will likely be lost and his hope of a career in law has suffered irreparable damage."

 

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