A man who abused, racially abused and spat at women and children in Harlow has been jailed.
Jake Hamill screamed abuse at eight women – racially abusing one victim – in and around the town centre over a five month period.
The 20-year-old has been jailed for six months and given a 12-month restraining order prohibiting him from contacting two of the women.
Hamill's spree of abuse ran between January and May of this year before he was finally arrested.
On two separate occasions in January he spat at two women, some of which hit their children, while hurling abuse at them.
In May, he subjected a woman to a flurry of racial abuse on two separate occasions.
Following his arrest, Hamill, of Peterswood, Harlow, admitted four counts of assault by beating, two counts of racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment, six counts of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm, or distress, and one count of stalking.
Essex Police have not released an image of Hamill as per their policy of not issuing pictures of criminals sentenced to less than one year in jail; Hamill was sentenced at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 15.
Sergeant James Bull said: “Jake Hamill subjected complete strangers to a torrent of abusive in totally unprovoked incidents.
“These would have been very scary incidents for those involved, particularly as in some of the offences the victims had their children with them.
“No-one should be left feeling scared for their safety particularly as they go about their daily business.
“Many of these offences came to light once we had issued an public appeal for information about one of the incidents in May.
“I want to thank all of those who came forward after our initial media release, giving evidence to provide a full picture of Hamill’s offending.
“I hope this sentencing brings them some comfort and Hamill uses it to reflect on how his actions affect other people.”
For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.
We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian
Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 here