Gloucester artist Rider Shafique cleared of racist assault

Robert Hunt, better known by his stage name Rider Shafique, was found not guilty by a jury.

The charge related to an alleged incident that took place during a family dispute in December 2023.

The row, which began over toilet roll, allegedly ended with Mr Hunt being stabbed seven times during an altercation.

The alleged incident took place at Mr Hunt’s home on Hatherley Road, where he was living with his brother Joshua Mills and Mr Mills’ partner, Holly Davis.

Mr Hunt, aged 48, was accused of grabbing Ms Davis by the neck and calling her a “dutty white girl.”

He denied the allegations and told the court that the claims were intended to damage his reputation.

During the trial, defence counsel Leon Lynch suggested that Ms Davis’ claims were made to support Mr Mills’ position that Mr Hunt was threatening them with a hammer.

Mr Hunt told the court he had not assaulted Ms Davis, nor used the alleged racist language.

He said: "I think it is being said to diminish my character and the work I have been doing."

He described himself as someone who works in creative industries and in the field of race relations.

He also told the court that he may have used the word 'dutty' but insisted it was not in reference to Ms Davis’ race.

Mr Hunt said: "I did not grab Miss Davis by the neck, I never pushed her and I never made comments about her skin tone."

He said he believed it was Mr Mills who had used the phrase "dutty white girl."

The dispute ended with Mr Hunt being stabbed seven times by his brother during the heated exchange.

Police initially arrested Mr Mills on suspicion of attempted murder, but released him with no charge after he claimed he acted in self-defence.

The jury found Mr Hunt not guilty and he was formally cleared of the charge.

Mr Hunt is a well-known recording artist and community worker, particularly in the West Country.