Man who blamed woman for Manchester Arena terror attack in racist tirade fined £500

A man has been fined over £500 for shouting racist abuse at a woman on a train and blaming her for the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Shahina Patel filmed David Blagburn, 47, subjecting her to a tirade of racial abuse and telling her it was her family "who made this happen."

Ms Patel responded by challenging Blagburn about his behaviour, saying she was offended and felt threatened by his remarks.

He then became more abusive and continued making racist remarks, telling her she needed to "be aware" of how people would treat her "because of what you did."

Blagburn eventually left the carriage after another passenger intervened, leaving Ms Patel sobbing.

She immediately reported the abuse to British Transport Police, and Blagburn was later arrested after being identified from the video footage she took and shared on social media.

Blagburn, of Vicarage Mount, Walney, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment.

He was handed a community order and fined £535 at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court.

Investigating officer PC Adam Heslop said: “Blagburn’s behaviour was offensive and repellent to any right thinking member of society.

"This kind of abuse is not acceptable and will never be tolerated. Any kind of hate crime is abhorrent and we take all reports extremely seriously.

"We urge anyone who witnesses behaviour like this or finds themselves victim to it to call us on 0800 40 50 40 or text us discreetly on 61016.”