Racist repents after Pakistani heritage found in his DNA

A National Front activist who took part in anti-immigration riots changed his views after he found out his ancestors were from India and Pakistan, a court heard.

Shaun Grimsley, 48, had taken cocaine when he was caught on CCTV throwing a St George’s flag during clashes with anti-racist protesters in Dover, Kent, last January.

Afterward he took a DNA test which revealed his ancestors came from India, Pakistan, Ireland, Scandinavia and Spain, Canterbury crown court heard yesterday.

His solicitor James Doyle said gas fitter Grimsley of Cannock, Staffordshire, had abandoned his far-right views and was repentant.

Judge Simon James said: ‘I hope that’s true because this is your one chance. For a large part of your adult life you have held abhorrent and racist views.’

Grimsley pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced to 18 months’ jail suspended for two years, plus 200 hours of unpaid work.