York takeaway worker left with broken teeth in alleged racist attack

Thomas Henry Chapman, 23, and Jack Alan Hunter, 21, both deny using racial insults during the incident, in which the takeaway worker was punched to the ground.

York Crown Court heard yesterday that Haydar Hazar, whose brother owns the Micklegate Takeaway, returned from a cigarette break at about 2.30am on December 6, and was abused verbally inside the shop along with his co-workers.

The court heard Hunter, of Kiln House, Thirlby, was asked to leave along with Chapman, of East Lea, Topcliffe, after Hunter kicked slices of pizza across the floor of the shop, and made racist remarks to Mr Hazar and his colleagues.

Once outside, Mr Hazar said Hunter "started swearing and shouting and was using racial insults", and as Hunter became angrier, he held him by the wrists to try and prevent him lashing out.

Mr Hazar told the court he believed he and Hunter had "made peace", but Chapman "came and grabbed me by the arm" before punching him in the right side of his face.

He told the court through an interpreter: "Suddenly I received a blow to my face, and I was on the floor. I wasn't expecting that at all."

"I got up and my mouth was burning, there was something wrong with my mouth. I spat at my hand and all my broken teeth came onto my hand, and when I got up, I saw him running away."

The court heard the blow was hard enough to break three of Mr Hazar's teeth and a dental appliance he wore, and the jury was shown pictures of his injuries.

During the police investigation into the assault, the court heard Mr Hazar was able to pick Chapman out of an identity parade. Chapman told police he was probably more memorable as he had been the loudest on the night, and Hunter said he felt threatened after being pushed outside the shop.

Chapman denies racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Hunter denies racially aggravated assault, but has pleaded guilty to assault.

The trial continues.