Police officers and people working in healthcare, retail and security are among those most likely to be targeted by hate.
According to the latest statistics for Nottinghamshire, nearly half of the victims who reported a hate crime came from one of those four professions.
Police say there have been multiple examples over the last 12 months of such offences leading to culprits having their punishments increased when they appeared in court to be sentenced.
On each occasion, a hate crime sentence uplift was granted after it was proven that the crime was motivated by prejudice towards race, sexual orientation or another protected characteristic.
One man who racially abused a police officer saw his prison sentence go up by a third, while a woman who was racist towards a shopworker as she stole from a store was jailed for 50 weeks after her sentence was increased.
Meanwhile, a patient saw multiple uplifts to a fine imposed on him after he abused multiple NHS staff members, while a man who aimed offensive language at a security guard saw a punishment of unpaid work double and a fine increase by a third when he appeared in court.
Having achieved these four positive outcomes for victims working in retail, the NHS, the police and security over the last 12 months, the hope is that potential offenders will think twice before committing such a crime.
Inspector Andy Wilson said:
“Whatever the reasons for acting in this way, there really is no excuse for anyone to subject someone to this type of abhorrent abuse,” said
“Hate crime can have a long-lasting and damaging impact on individuals and communities, which is why it’s so important we do everything in our power to try and root it out of our society.
“Our message to anyone thinking of committing such an offence would be to remind them that there are consequences for perpetrators too, with the courts able to increase punishments for offences that are aggravated in this manner.
“These four cases are just a few examples of sentences being uplifted, which we hope will provide extra motivation to people – should they need it – to stay on the right side of the law and not commit a hate crime.”
Each of these outcomes was achieved following partnership working between Nottinghamshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which saw them successfully apply for a hate crime sentencing uplift.
A hate crime can be separated into three types – physical assault, verbal abuse or incitement of hatred – and is any incident that is perceived to be based on someone’s prejudice towards a person because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender.
The force has a dedicated Hate Crime team that focuses on these types of offences across Nottinghamshire, where there has been a 14 per cent rise in hate crime reports over the last 12 months.
Empowering more people to come forward and report incidents that happen to them or others is a key part of Nottinghamshire Police’s ‘Take Aim at Hate’ campaign, which has led to the force achieving an 87 per cent satisfaction rate following feedback from hate crime victims in the last year.
With National Hate Crime Awareness Week now underway and running until next Saturday (17 October), Insp Wilson has emphasised the importance of people continuing to come forward and report incidents to the police.
“As we talk about the consequences for people committing these offences, it should be made clear that the wellbeing of those who are subjected to this awful behaviour obviously remains our priority,” he said.
“While it’s good to receive the positive feedback we’ve had as a force from victims and to see more people feel comfortable and confident enough to report a hate crime, we appreciate that more still needs to be done on this issue.
“That includes continuing to work with our partners and the various Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) that operate across our communities in Nottinghamshire to listen to their lived experiences and see how we can improve things.
“As I say, though, it’s absolutely crucial that people keep challenging these offences by reporting hate crime to the police.”
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Waldram added:
“Our communities are built on diversity, respect and the connections we share with one another.
“National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an opportunity for all of us to stand together against intolerance and prejudice.
“At Nottinghamshire Police, we are committed to supporting victims, working with our partners and communities, and ensuring everyone feels safe, valued and welcome.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden added:
“Nottinghamshire is rich in diversity, and that is something to be celebrated.
“Despite this, unfortunately, some people are still suffering from the impact of hate crime, simply due to their ethnicity, beliefs, sexuality or disabilities.
“If you are a victim of hate crime, support is available for you. My Office commissions a fantastic service called Nottinghamshire Victim CARE, which offers free practical and emotional support to anyone affected by crime, including hate crime.
“Don’t suffer in silence. Call Nottinghamshire Victim CARE on 0800 304 7575.”
For more information about Nottinghamshire Victim CARE, visit: https://www.nottsvictimcare.org.uk/
Sally-Ann Flemmings-Danquah, Legal Manager and Hate Crime Coordinator at the Crown Prosecution Service, added:
“The CPS is committed to the robust and fair prosecution of hate crime.
“We will not hesitate to apply the full force of the law where the evidence supports prosecution, seeking justice for victims and holding offenders accountable.
“The CPS seeks sentence uplifts where hostility based on a protected characteristic is evidenced.”
