A law student at Nottingham Trent University pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court to racially or religiously aggravated harassment after being filmed chanting ‘we hate blacks’ at the halls of residence in the university campus. Joe Tivnan, 19, was heard on a mobile phone footage, chanting “we hate the blacks”. The video, which caused distress to fellow student Rufaro Chisango, causing her to move to alternative accommodation, went viral in early March this year after it was posted on social media.
Tivan, of The Parklands in Erdington, Birmingham, has made “an unreserved apology” to anyone who was affected by his act. He said, “It was still unacceptable language and I am ashamed by my behaviour. I am truly sorry for the distress I have caused.” Anna Pierrepont, for the prosecution, said, “She (Chisango) was the only black person living on that floor. He is heard chanting, ‘we hate the blacks’.” Steve Ransell, for the defence, said, “His university place will likely be lost and his hope of a career in law has suffered irreparable damage.” Tivnan was ordered to pay Chisango £500 compensation and £310 in fines and costs, after his racist chanting was described as "disgusting, shocking and disgraceful".
