A MAN was shocked and distressed to find the words ‘Ku Klux Klan’ on his front door, which had also been covered in human excrement.

Flintshire Magistrates’ Court at Mold heard the man responsible was Michael James Edwards, 52.

There were also other words of an offensive, racist nature on the door.

Edwards, of Wepre Park in Connah’s Quay, claimed he had arranged to stay at the man’s flat, could not get in, remained on the doorstep all night and did what he did as a bit of ‘banter’.

In the morning he realised how serious it was and was intending to clean it up –
but was arrested by police before he could do so.

Edwards admitted a charge of racially aggravated damage – and a separate charge of stealing a £500 bicycle – and his case was adjourned for sentence.

Robert Blakemore, prosecuting, said in interview Edwards had claimed they would call each other silly names and what he had done was not malicious. He claimed it was not meant to be racist against the victim, who he described as a friend.

But he accepted that what he had done was over the top.

The victim denied Edwards was due to stay at the property and found what had occurred racially offensive and distressing.

Louise Echlin, defending, said Edwards lived with his mother, she was away for a few days in Italy, he did not have a key to get in, and had arranged to stay with the complainant.

It was his case that he had stayed there the night before the incident, had agreed to stay that night as well, but could not get in.

“It was raining, he was freezing and only wearing a T-shirt. He was fed up and became desperate,” Miss Echlin explained.

But with the benefit of hindsight he appreciated that he covered the door in unacceptable language.

He was ashamed of what he had done and sorry for the upset he had caused the victim.

District Judge Andrew Shaw adjourned the case for sentence and warned that all options including custody would remain open.