Man admits daubing 'no blacks' graffiti on African family's door in Salford

A man has admitted daubing "no blacks" on an African family's door in Salford.

Vaughan Dowd pleaded guilty to a single count of racially aggravated criminal damage at Manchester Magistrates' Court.

The 54-year-old, wearing jeans and a brown jumper and shirt, spoke only to confirm his name and details and to plead guilty to the offence.

The court heard the victim got up on the morning of February 8 to leave for work when he saw "no blacks" painted on his front door in white paint.

The same graffiti was also daubed on an internal communal door and the entry door to the block of flats where he lives.

Ann Deakin, prosecuting, said inquiries were made by police and officers arrested Dowd after looking at CCTV and building access records.

Ms Deakin said the CCTV showed Dowd covering his face to carry out the attack before returning to the flats with his face uncovered.

In a victim impact statement, the householder said: "This incident has left me feeling very angry.

"The idea someone has the audacity to attack my front door of my home address and target me in this way has affected me in a lasting way.

"I'm now constantly on edge and worried about every little noise outside and it has affected my ability to sleep."

District Judge Mark Hadfield said the sentencing powers of the court were insufficient to deal with the case. The maximum sentence a magistrates' court can hand down is six months in prison.

He ordered Dowd, from Salford, be dealt with at Manchester Crown Court at a later date.

A decision on whether Dowd will be given bail in the meantime will be made later.

Additonal reporting by Press Association