Racist shoplifter told St Pancras Station security guard 'there's nothing you can do' as 'I'm a white guy'

A racist shoplifter who called a security guard a racial slur then said "You're a slave. There's nothing you can do to me. I'm a white guy" has been spared jail.

Tony Manigan stole two jumpers worth £350 from Gant at St Pancras station on February 27 this year, but was caught by British Transport Police officers at a nearby WHSmith after a description of the 53-year-old was circulated over police radio.

Manigan, of Ashley Road in Islington, was then taken into custody where he claims to have spat on the custody officer by accident. The drug user, who describes himself as "uncontrollable", apologised by saying "I did not mean to spit on you, f**king little P**i", instead blaming the flying spittle on the way he was speaking, Inner London Crown Court heard on Thursday (November 14).

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After repeating this slur a further three times, Manigan said he "hates all Muslims and all sex offenders" and that he wants them to 'f**k off'. Police let Manigan go, ordering him not to return to the railway station, but less than an hour later officers were called to St Pancras again to deal with an aggressive man.

It was Manigan and this time he had directed his racist abuse towards a Black security guard. Manigan threatened to "shank" the guard, then told him "go back to your own country" and to "go back to Africa".

He then called the man a "N***a" and said '"you're a slave. There's nothing you can do to me. I'm a white guy". Prior to the offences Manigan had a long history of racist outbursts, including convictions for racially aggravated offences in 2020 and 2022.

At the time of February's offence Manigan was serving a suspended sentence, however, his barrister pleaded with Judge Benedict Kelleher to issue a fine for the breach so to avoid losing out on a council home he was recently promised. Manigan is currently living in supported accommodation to help him with his substance abuse issues.

He successfully completed a drug rehabilitation requirement ahead of today's sentence. Judge Kelleher said it was "tragic" to find a man of Manigan's age in the court, but recognised he had shown a commitment to treat his drug issues and was engaging with the probation service.

It meant his 18 weeks prison sentence could be suspended for 12 months, with no other requirements other than to continue his engagement with rehabilitation agencies. He will pay a £100 fine for breaching his previous suspended sentence and a victim surcharge. Manigan said "thank you very much your honour" before slipping on his cream woolly hat and leaving the dock.

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