Queen's Guardsman grabbed Pc by throat outside club as colleague hurled racist abuse

Sentenced: Thomas McLaughlin, left, and Oliver White
Central News
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A Queen's Guardsman grabbed a police officer around the throat as a fellow soldier hurled racist abuse when they were kicked out of a Leicester Square club, a court heard.

Oliver White, 21, grabbed Pc Owura Kodua in a choke-hold during a confrontation outside Zoo Bar. His colleague Thomas McLaughlin, also 21, shouted “black c***” at the officer.

White, McLaughlin and 19-year-old Paul Holland, who were all serving with an elite regiment at Wellington Barracks, had been thrown out of the nightclub on August 2 for insulting the US army and abusing a group of American tourists.

When they continued to be abusive outside, door staff asked Pc Kodua and Pc Andrew Fletcher to help get rid of them.

Hit with fine: Paul Holland
Central News

McLaughlin squared up to Pc Fletcher, spitting at him, shouting insults and threatening to “destroy” him, the court heard. White then grabbed Pc Kodua, leaving him struggling to breathe and fearing he would suffer neck damage. When Holland was arrested he screamed: “All for one and one for all.”

Pc Kodua told Westminster magistrates’ court: “I’ve been assaulted during my seven years as a police officer, but this incident was the worst and the most frightening. Being grabbed around the throat while I am trying to do my job is not something you should be subjected to.”

White pleaded guilty to assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty, while McLaughlin admitted two counts of racially aggravated harassment. Holland admitted being drunk and disorderly and obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty.

The soldiers had responsibility for guarding Buckingham Palace 
Reuters

All three soldiers had responsibility for guarding the Royal Palaces in London, including Buckingham Palace, but McLaughlin has now left the army, the court was told.

In September, he was also convicted of going on a £4,500 spending spree on champagne and strippers with a fellow guardsman’s bank card. He persuaded his colleague to hand over his card and Pin, claiming he needed to borrow £20, then headed to a gentleman’s club for a night out with friends. McLaughlin pleaded guilty to theft, and was ordered to pay back his victim and complete 95 hours of community service.

At court on Friday, Amiz Ahmaz, representing both White and Holland, said McLaughlin was the “main player” in the abuse leading up to the scuffle with the police officers.

“Had it not been for the behaviour of Mr McLaughlin, Mr White and Mr Holland would not necessarily have been involved”, he said.

McLaughlin was sentenced to an 18-month community order, including 120 hours of community service, and ordered to pay £100 compensation to each police officer.

White was given an 18-month community order, including 100 hours of community service, and ordered to pay £150 compensation to Pc Kodua. Holland was fined £430.

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