A WOMAN has been fined after racially abusing a shopkeeper who refused to serve her when drunk.

Lauren Kirsopp, of Clyde Terrace, in Spennymoor, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today (November 26).

Paula Sanderson, prosecuting, told the court how the 19-year-old had entered the shop on Clyde Terrace at about 8.30pm on August 15 and tried to pay for a bottle of strong cider.

When the owner refused to serve her because he thought she was too drunk and too young, Kirsopp accused him of being racist and demanded to be served.

After being threatened with the police if she did not leave, Kirsopp left the store but called the owner a “f****** P*** b******” on her way out.

The shopkeeper reported the incident to the police and Kirsopp was identified through CCTV.

In a victim statement, the shopkeeper said: “I’m not always offended by people swearing but I’m Indian and I will not tolerate people who are racist towards me.”

Andrew Clinton, mitigating, said: “This is totally out of character; she could not recall the incident.

“She had far too much to drink, has had housing problems since then and is on anti-depression medication.”

Magistrate Ann Turnbull gave Kirsopp a conditional discharge for nine months and ordered her to pay £285 in fines, including £50 compensation to the shopkeeper.