'Pikey' sign leads to race hate charge - Kent

From the Weald Courier

A HAWKHURST man is facing trial after posting a sign outside his house that branded his village "Pikeyville".

David Jell, 54, of Queens Road in Hawkhurst, pinned the note to the postman on his front door.

It read: "Mr Postman, if I am away from Pikeyville. Any parcels or signed for delivery please leave at No4 (sic) only or return to sorting office for collection, many thanks. Beware of pikeys."

Jell was charged with racially-aggravated harassment by writing and the use of threatening words to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and pleaded not guilty.

On Wednesday last week, Sevenoaks Magistrates Court heard the main issue surrounding the case was the word "pikey" and how it is currently defined.

Prosecuting, Edward Parton, said the note "demonstrated hostility to a racial group".

He said: "They (neighbours) have said this is derogatory to the people of Hawkhurst."

But Matthew Nickolls, defending, said: "The defendant admits being the author of the note but disputes the definition of the word pikey. He believes the word's meaning has been misconstrued."

Jell was granted unconditional bail and will return to Sevenoaks Magistrate's Court for trial on February 27.