Homophobic rant made at hotel staff

A BUSINESSMAN subjected staff to a homophobic outburst after he was “challenged” about bringing an unknown woman into a hotel.

- BY DAVID HUNTLEY

Property entrepreneur Michael Haywood had travelled to Newcastle for the weekend and was staying at the Copthorne Hotel on the Quayside. But when the 34-year-old returned after a night out with an “unknown woman”, staff challenged him as unknown guest are not allowed in rooms.

It was then that Haywood - who is engaged to be married - unleashed a homophobic tirade against the member of staff that challenged him. The outburst resulted in the police being called.

Last Wednesday, Haywood, of Daveylands, Wilmslow, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court via link to be sentenced for a public order offence. He pleaded guilty to the charge, which dated back to October 6 last year.