Sebastian Kulik has appeared in court accused of racially abusing a takeaway worker and assaulting three officers
Sebastian Kulik has appeared in court accused of racially abusing a takeaway worker and assaulting three officers
A man has appeared in court accused of racially abusing a kebab shop worker and assaulting police officers. Sebastian Kulik has been charged with a series of offences following an incident at Torino’s takeaway on Stanley Road in Kirkdale on Friday night.
The 34-year-old, of Daisy Street in Kirkdale, appeared before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, Monday. Wearing a red coat over a grey prison issue tracksuit and sporting a shaved head in the dock, he spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth before pleading not guilty to a count of racially-aggravated threatening behaviour and three charges of assaulting an emergency services worker.
Kulik was not asked to enter pleas to further alleged offences of criminal damage and obstructing police. He elected to face a trial by jury at Liverpool Crown Court and was remanded into custody ahead of a further appearance on January 27.
READ MORE: Criminals used ‘Deliveroo for drugs’, chemical waste and bras in elaborate schemesREAD MORE: Boxing Day night out which left 7 men in prison and another fighting for life
The ECHO previously reported that Merseyside Police were called to the scene shortly before 8pm on December 27 after receiving reports of a male becoming aggressive with staff inside the kebab shop and damaging property. The man was then said to have punched two officers in the head and spat in the face of a third.
A video showed a huge police presence at the scene, with around a dozen patrol cars being captured outside the takeaway during the clip. Inspector Pete Charnley said: “People who work in premises such as this provide a vital service to communities across Merseyside all year round and should be able to make a living without fear of being subject to any abuse, aggression or criminal damage.
“This incident was made even more despicable by what appears to have been an appalling hate crime element. We are determined to investigate all such incidents and protect those people who are targeted.
“Three officers who had attended to protect the public from any further harm were then themselves targeted with punches to the head and spitting. Merseyside Police officers turn up to work every single day to keep the communities of Merseyside safe. They know they may face unpredictable and sometimes dangerous situations but they never, ever deserve to be treated in this way.
“I’m pleased to see that, despite coming under attack from the suspect, the officers on duty were able to detain him and bring the incident to a safe conclusion. In doing so, they protected others from physical harm, and I am pleased to say that, while some of the officers have grazes after this incident, no serious injuries were sustained.”
