FAVERSHAM RACIST THUG MICHAEL LONG SPITS AND SHOUTS AT POLICE AND PARTNER

A disturbing incident unfolded in Faversham involving Michael Long, a 57-year-old man with a long history of drug addiction, who displayed aggressive and racist behavior during an arrest. The events took place on August 9 last year, when Long was detained by police officers on Cyprus Road amid an unrelated matter. Instead of complying peacefully, Long began shouting and swearing at the officers, escalating the situation with a barrage of offensive language.

Prosecutor Rajni Prashar explained that Long directed a racist slur at PC James Castle during the confrontation. She detailed that Long called the officer a derogatory term, which was racially charged, and also used a series of expletives, including calling the police “dirty bum bags.” The verbal abuse did not stop there; Long continued to hurl insults at the officers, further provoking the situation.

As the police attempted to de-escalate the incident, Long’s behavior worsened. His partner, who was present at the scene, approached him in an effort to calm him down. However, Long responded with hostility and spat directly in her face. This act of assault led to his further arrest on charges of assault, in addition to the earlier charges of racially aggravated harassment and threatening behavior.

During the court proceedings at Medway Magistrates' Court on January 30, Long pleaded guilty to all charges. The court was informed that PC James Castle had submitted a victim impact statement, describing Long’s aggressive conduct and the distress caused by the racist language. The statement highlighted the emotional toll of the incident and the offensive nature of the racial slur.

Long’s criminal history was also brought to light, revealing previous convictions for drug-related offenses and violence. His defense, represented by Lainey Snook, emphasized that Long had been a drug addict for over 30 years, currently prescribed methadone, and had been homeless for 18 months. Despite these hardships, she noted that Long had been clean for six years and was actively seeking help through the Forward Trust, which he attended twice weekly. Snook described Long as remorseful and stated that the incident was out of character for him.

She requested the court to consider a conditional discharge and ordered that Long pay £100 in compensation to PC James Castle. The magistrates agreed, placing Long on a 24-month conditional discharge for the charges related to the police officer. They also decided that Long would not face a separate penalty for spitting at his partner, nor was he required to pay her any compensation or court costs. Instead, he was ordered to pay the court at a rate of £20 per month, reflecting his benefits status.

In summary, Michael Long’s actions in Faversham resulted in a conviction that highlights ongoing issues of racial abuse and violence. The court’s decision aims to balance accountability with recognition of his efforts to reform, while also ensuring some form of restitution for the victim, PC James Castle.