In what was described as a racist attack, a White British teenager is said to have forced a Black boy to kiss his dirty shoe before he landed punches on the victim. Per BBC, the unidentified White teen later admitted to the offense.
The March 2024 incident happened in the English city of Carlisle. It was also recorded and posted on social media. The accused 15-year-old teen was ultimately sentenced to a youth referral order after he pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated common assault charge.
During the trial, prosecutor George Shelley said the victim was labeled a “coward” because he turned down a proposal to fight on March 13, 2024. The victim was also included in a group on Snapchat the following day. And though he attempted to exit the group, Shelley said he was re-added and called racial slurs.
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On March 15, the victim was confronted by his attacker and three other boys after he left school. The confrontation was filmed, and the victim’s attacker, who also shared a comment on the Snapchat platform, knew his actions were being recorded.
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The court was told the 15-year-old’s shoe was “covered in filth,” and he forced the victim to kiss it. “‘Kiss my shoe or you are getting whacked’ is what I’ve heard being said,” Shelly told the court.
After the victim kissed his shoe, his attacker subsequently pursued him and repeatedly punched him, per BBC. “There is a real element of humiliation here,” Shelley said.
“[The victim] showed significant restraint despite no doubt being absolutely petrified by the situation he was confronted with.”
Shelley said the video in question ultimately drew “nationwide condemnation” after it went viral on social media. “When I viewed the video I was shocked and upset,” the victim’s mother said. “This has impacted me and my family. We are emotionally drained.”
Authorities also arrested the three other boys, and they said they’re looking into similarly filing a case against them. The White teen has been ordered to sign a contract agreeing to positively contribute to the Youth Justice Service for 12 months.
He was additionally ordered to pay his victim £100 (around $130) in compensation and also cover court fees. Charity Anti Racist Cumbria said the incident was something that could have been prevented.
Anti Racist Cumbria also said the punishment handed to the teen would “drive deeper the wedge of distrust black communities in Cumbria feel in relation to the police and prosecution service.”
“At a national and local level not enough is being done to actively address racism at an early stage and prevent incidents like this from happening,” the organization said.
“Today’s verdict serves as a reminder that racism is not being taken seriously by those who have the power to make change,” a spokeswoman said.
