A NUISANCE pensioner with anti-Semitic views clashed with a judge who told him no-one was interested in his opinions.
James Evans appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday after breaching a restraining order made to protect staff at BBC Hereford and Worcester from harassment.
The 71-year-old of Bath Road, Worcester was warned by judge Jim Tindal that if he persisted he could go to jail. Evans delivered 53 letters to the radio station in the city’s Hylton Road in breach of the restraining order and may have written more since, breaking his bail conditions.
Although the contents of the letters were not disclosed, previous comments by Evans which have been read out in court have involved criticism of ‘Zionist Jews’, described by the defendant as ‘a death cult’ which will get ‘everyone killed in World War Three’.
The retired mental health social worker has also said ‘Jewish people rule the world’ and claimed to be the victim of racism.
Lal Amarasinghe, prosecuting, said the contents of Evans’s letters had been described by the recipients as ‘quite offensive’.
He said BBC Hereford and Worcester’s managing editor Jeremy Pollock had asked Evans to ‘desist’ and had sought ways to ‘bring the matter to an end’ and ‘stop the persistent visits and letters’.
Evans has also previously harassed Worcester MP Robin Walker, sending him around 100 letters between August 1 and November 25 2016, prompting judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC to describe him at an earlier hearing as ‘delusional’.
Evans, who represented himself at the hearing on Friday, was told to be quiet and listen by the judge but nevertheless continued to interrupt him throughout.
Judge Tindal ordered the case to be adjourned while investigations were carried out into whether any more such letters had been sent while he was on bail (in addition to the 53 already known).
The judge himself was also given a letter written by the defendant, which he read before Evans entered the courtroom.
Judge Tindal said Evans’s views were considered ‘irritating and eccentric as opposed to anything else’.
He told the defendant: “Lots of people in the world have opinions and some of these people share your opinion. Other people don’t.
“I can’t imagine that anyone who has the misfortune to continue to receive your letters has the least interest in your opinions and you need to stop.”
The judge adjourned the case for four weeks for reports but warned him: “If you keep doing this you will go to prison.”
When the judge had finished his remarks Evans said ‘Big Brother!’ to which judge Tindal replied ‘Careful Mr Evans’.
Evans in response said: “What are you going to do about it?”
The judge replied: “Send you to prison.”
Evans said ‘Yes, Your Majesty’ and left the court saying ‘byeeeeee!’ in a loud, high-pitched voice.
The case was adjourned until November 9. The existing restraining order is due to expire next month (November) and Mr Amarasinghe indicated he would apply to have it renewed in the same terms as before.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel