Over Seas

Australia: Couple jailed for racially abusing a Sikh taxi driver

July 17, 2013 | By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

Darwin, Australia (July 17, 2013): It is learnt that an Australian couple is jailed for nine months for attacking a Sikh taxi driver in Darwin who was racially abused, punched and had his turban ripped off his head. According to media reports Justice Stephen Southwood sentenced Angeline Kim Sollitt, 44, and Michael John Arbouin, 40 for the “unprovoked” and ” malicious” attack on a Sikh taxi driver Jagroop Singh.

“The turban is the crowning glory of the Sikhs. For Sikhs, the head and the turban are sacred – they must not be touched or insulted in any way,” Justice Southwood reportedly said.

Ms Sollitt began verbally abusing Jagroop Singh when he picked her up with four others at the Dinah Beach Yacht Club last October, the NT News reports.

“You are in Australia, mate, this is not your country. If you want to live in Australia, take this s** off.”

Jagroop Singh kept driving but did later pull over when Ms Sollitt got out and yelled ‘grab his turban, rip it off’, before she ran to Jagroop Singh and tried to remove it.

She pulled it off, leaving Mr Singh dishevelled. He attempt to radio in for help before Mr Arbouin threw him to the ground. Ms Sollitt then punched him in the face.

Mr Arbouin then said: “You see what happens with your turban? Now I’m going to rip your hair off.”

The police arrived soon after to take control of the scene. Mr Singh previously said that his main concern was for his faith.

“The turban is a symbol of faith. I only care that these people insulted my religion”, Jagroop Singh reportedly said.

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Related Topics: Sikhs in Australia (Sikh News from Australia)

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