In a distressing case highlighted in Leicester Magistrates’ Court, 40-year-old Ricky Rupra, a frequent patron of a local casino, was found guilty of making a series of malicious phone calls to a female employee. 

During these calls, Rupra subjected the woman to racial abuse, body shaming, and even threats of death. 

The court heard that Rupra's unsettling behaviour stemmed from significant losses incurred during his visits to the newly renovated Leicester Casino, where he had become known to the victim due to their prior interactions. 

Alarming Campaign of Abuse 

The series of harassing phone calls began in August 2023, several months after Rupra had last frequented the casino. Despite this lapse in time, the victim was able to recognize Rupra’s voice during the calls, which were received at all hours, often starting just after midnight. 

The court learned that Rupra engaged in an alarming campaign of abuse, with more than ten calls recorded, during which he repeatedly labelled her as "fat" and "ugly" and ominously declared that she would die.  

Casino Employee Frightened of Going to Work, Records Phone Calls  

Prosecutor, Ravinder Daroch, detailed the abhorrent nature of Rupra's communications, stressing the psychological distress inflicted upon the victim. 

She recounted that his calls not only contained a litany of racial slurs but also conveyed threats that left the victim apprehensive about her safety. The woman expressed genuine fear regarding the possibility of Rupra confronting her at the casino, a site where she had previously felt secure. 

Ms. Daroch noted, "The calls were abusive and offensive, saying that she would die. She was frightened by what he was saying, and she didn't know if he was going to come to the casino." 

Following the receipt of these troubling calls, the victim took the brave step of recording some of the messages and contacting Leicestershire Police, leading to Rupra's arrest. The court was informed that the severity and persistence of Rupra’s harassment warranted legal action, with the prosecutor emphasizing the seriousness of the offense. 

Solicitor Requests Probation Pre-Sentencing Report 

Rupra appeared before the magistrates as a defendant not unfamiliar with legal proceedings. With his solicitor, Niraj Keshwala, he addressed the court regarding the implications of his actions. 

Keshwala requested an adjournment for the preparation of a pre-sentence report by the probation service, acknowledging that the nature of the offense likely bordered on a custodial sentence. 

“This probably crosses the custody threshold, and the probation service are able to prepare a pre-sentence report, but it would have to be done on another day,” Keshwala stated. 

Casino Workers Should Be Able to Work Without Fear and Intimidation

The magistrates granted the request for an adjournment, allowing for a thorough assessment of Rupra's behaviour and its repercussions before determining an appropriate sentence. 

As the court session concluded, it underscored the pressing need for measures to protect individuals from harassment and abuse, particularly in environments like casinos, where workers should be able to perform their duties without fear of aggression or intimidation.  

The case serves as a stark reminder of the darker sides of gambling addiction and the impact it can have on both the individuals who partake in it and those who work within the industry. The outcome of Rupra's adjourned sentencing remains pending as the court awaits the findings of the probation service’s review.