A high-profile musician, filmmaker, and artist faced a jury at Gloucester Crown Court accused of a racially-aggravated assault during a bitter family dispute over toilet roll usage.
Robert Hunt, better known by his stage name Rider Shafique, has denied the charge of racially-aggravated assault against his brother’s partner, Holly Davis. The 48-year-old defendant shares a rented home on Hatherley Road, Gloucester, with his brother Joshua Mills and Ms. Davis, having lived together peacefully for nearly two years before escalating tensions erupted into violence just after Christmas 2023.
The prosecution outlined a pattern of deteriorating relations within the household, including Hunt’s criticisms and racial insults directed at Ms. Davis, reportedly calling her a “dutty white girl.”
On December 29, 2023, a seemingly minor argument about Hunt’s excessive use of toilet paper escalated dramatically. After overhearing Joshua Mills complain about the toilet roll, Hunt confronted him aggressively, brandishing a claw hammer. Witnesses said Hunt advanced closely and threateningly upon Mills.
When Ms. Davis intervened, shouting for Hunt to stop, the artist allegedly grabbed her by the throat, pushing her backward into the bathroom, where she fell over a toilet. According to the prosecution, as Hunt released his grip, he shouted hostile racially derogatory language, further escalating the confrontation.
The situation intensified as Hunt reportedly stormed into the couple’s bedroom, throwing toilet rolls at Joshua Mills’ head while continuing to verbally abuse Ms. Davis with racial slurs. The prosecution described the attack as racially-aggravated assault by beating, emphasizing the use of racially hostile language immediately following the physical assault.
Hunt denies all allegations, including the use of racial insults, asserting instead that Ms. Davis made racist remarks toward him. The court was also informed of a violent clash involving Hunt wielding a claw hammer and sustaining seven cuts inflicted by Joshua Mills with a knife. Mills was investigated but did not face charges.
Prosecutor Katherine Lane urged the jury to focus solely on the charge against Hunt regarding the racially-aggravated assault on Ms. Davis, advising them not to be distracted by related incidents in the case.
The trial continues as the jury weighs the evidence.