A family row over toilet roll that spiralled into violence has landed a musician in court.
Robert Hunt, a 48-year-old musician, filmmaker, and artist known by his stage name Rider Shafique, is standing trial at Gloucester Crown Court accused of racially-aggravated assault against Holly Davis, his brother’s partner.
The incident, described by the prosecution as “a regular argument... over loo roll, but has got very out of hand,” allegedly took place at Hunt’s home on Hatherley Road in Gloucester, which he shared with his brother Joshua Mills and Ms Davis.
Katherine Lane, prosecuting, told the jury: "The defendant is said to have assaulted Holly Davis by grabbing her by the neck and by pushing her, and then verbally, racially abusing her."
Relations in the house are said to have deteriorated in the months leading up to the alleged assault. Ms Lane said that Hunt had begun criticising Ms Davis and her culture, referring to her as a “dutty white girl.”
The confrontation reportedly began on December 29, 2023, when Mr Mills complained to Ms Davis about Hunt’s use of toilet paper while they were in the bathroom.
Mr Hunt overheard the remark.
Ms Lane said: "The defendant came out of his room, and confronted Josh. He has picked up a claw hammer, and was on the landing, and he has come down the landing towards Josh and come up close to his face. He was aggressive and threatening in his stance, closing the space between them and leaning over Josh.
"Holly has then shouted at the defendant ‘stop!’. The defendant has reacted by grabbing Holly around the throat, holding her by the throat and then pushing her backwards into the bathroom so that she fell over the toilet.
"As she fell backwards, the defendant let go of her throat, and whilst he did this he was shouting words to the effect of ‘shut the f*** up, I’m not talking to you’."
Ms Lane said that Hunt then used racist language, telling Ms Davis to "get out of the yard, you dutty white girl."
The jury heard that the incident escalated further, resulting in Mr Mills wounding Mr Hunt with a knife.
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Police investigated Mr Mills but brought no charges.
Ms Lane told the jury: "You are only here to decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the racially aggravated assault on Holly Davis.
"It’s important not to get sidetracked."
Mr Hunt denies the charge.
The trial continues.
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