Neil Smith and Gareth Childs were found not guilty of violent disorder. The initial racially aggravated actual bodily harm charge was dropped in the middle of the trial because the judge agreed with the defence barristers that the evidence of racial aggravation was 'too tenuous'. The sixth defendant, Erin Saunders did not face any charges after the racially aggravated ABH charges were dropped. The NAAR has lodged a complaint with the Lord Chancellor's Department regarding the conduct of the judge and his decision to drop the charges. This is yet another case of people, having been at the sharp end of racism, also experiencing institutional racism within the criminal justice system.
Racist attacks are on the rise in South Wales, especially around Newport.
In the last year, there have been two very serious racist attacks and the racist murder of Jan Passelbessi outside Newport Royal Infirmary hospital, only minutes from a police station. Mr Passelbessi was murdered in front of his 14 year-old daughter. The trial of his murderers is due to begin in Newport in the New Year. The conference will be an opportunity to look at the progress made by the government in implementing the Report's recommendations in the run-up to the next general election and to assess what the next government must do to eradicate institutional racism. The Labour Party persuaded the TGWU not to pursue this motion to a vote after offering two key policy concessions.