Man charged after BBC presenter was ‘racially abused in the street and forced to abandon live lockdown broadcast’
A MAN has appeared in court charged with public order offences following an incident with BBC journalist Sima Kotecha.
Russell Rawlingson, 50, appeared via videolink and pleaded not guilty to causing racially aggravated alarm or distress to Ms Kotecha at Leicester Magistrates' Court.
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BBC's Ms Kotecha was getting ready to broadcast on Sunday evening after the PM's address to the nation when she said her and her team were subjected to "racist and abusive behaviour".
Ms Kotecha tweeted: "Apologies to our guests who we had to send home without putting on air after myself and team were subjected to racist and abusive behaviour – sad obstruction of reporting of a national crisis. Yes I’m furious."
"Apologies – but man shouting terrible things at me has ruined it for everyone. I’m afraid not going to make it on the special programme."
Responding to Ms Kotecha on Twitter, the chief constable of Leicestershire police, Simon Cole, said: “Sorry to hear about this. I’ve spoken to our control room. Has it been reported? If not then please call 101 or online.”
According to the Guardian, police contacted then Ms Kotecha to ask her to give a statement on what happened and whether her crew had any footage of the alleged abuser.
The BBC said in a statement: “While preparing to broadcast, our reporter, her production team and guests were subjected to racist and abusive behaviour. We are appalled by what happened and will be reporting the incident to the police. We will not tolerate racism or abuse of our staff.”
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After an outpouring of supportive messages, Ms Kotecha assured viewers she was fine.
She wrote on Twitter: "Thanks for all the kind messages - team and guests are fine. Snapshot of what journalists sometimes encounter during live broadcasting. Not always easy. Wishing you well."
Rawlingson, Leicester, was granted conditional bail until a pre-trial hearing at the city's crown court on June 15.
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