Ex-billionaire 'launched a racist tirade' on binman, court hears
A FORMER property billionaire screamed racist abuse at a binman after his Bentley was held up behind a bin lorry, a court heard.
Simon Halabi is alleged to have verbally and physically assaulted a binman
Simon Halabi, 58, called Carl Thomas a “black ****” and a “monkey” during the late-night row, it was claimed.
Halabi, once Britain’s 14th richest man, allegedly punched and kicked the binman and is said to have told him: “I own this road, I can do what I want.”
Southwark Crown Court heard he also abused a black passerby who tried to help, calling him a “******* monkey”.
David Jenkins, prosecuting, said Halabi had a female passenger in the car during the row in London’s Mayfair.
Mt Halabi admitted to using racial language
Mr Jenkins said: “According to Mr Thomas, Mr Halabi appeared to be in a rage with one of his hands raised in a fist.
According to Mr Thomas, Mr Halabi appeared to be in a rage with one of his hands raised in a fist
“And Mr Halabi said to him, ‘**** off out the way you black ****’. In relation to that he then threw a punch which Mr Thomas blocked.
“But the defendant continued to throw punches. Mr Thomas pushed him away. The defendant then started to kick him towards the groin area about four or five times.
“The female pulled him away and Mr Thomas then pulled out his phone and started to record what was being said.”
Police arrested both men at the scene but released Mr Thomas after he was questioned.
The defendant had a property empire in the 80's worth 30 billion
Halabi admitted using racial language.
The defendant amassed a property empire in the 1980s, with a net worth of £3billion.
His portfolio included a £25million stately home in Buckinghamshire and a £30million stake in the Shard.
But he declared bankruptcy in 2010 after failing to repay a £56million bank loan when his assets were hit by the credit crunch.
Mr Halabi denies physically assaulting the binman
Three years later Halabi was sued for divorce by his Lithuanian-born wife Urte and the proceedings are still ongoing at the High Court.
Halabi, of Westminster, central London, denies one count of racially aggravated assault and one count of assault.
The trial continues.