The pensioner denied sending the letters despite DNA and fingerprint evidence
By Victoria Munro

Sir Alan Sugar at the BAFTAs (credit: Damien Everett)

A Leyton pensioner has been arrested after sending Sir Alan Sugar anti-Semitic letters.

Patrick Gomes, 70, of Lyttelton Road, sent three abusive letters to one of the Apprentice star’s businesses in Loughton between October and December 2018.

Although he denied sending them when questioned by Essex Police, Gomes’ DNA and fingerprints were found on one of the letters and further letters were found in his home.

On 1st December, he was found guilty of religiously-aggravated harassment at Chelmsford Crown Court and is now in custody awaiting his sentencing later this month.

Investigating officer PC Marc Arnold said: “Nobody should ever be subjected to this level of abuse or fear physical violence because of their faith. I’m really pleased that justice has been rightly served.

“There is simply no excuse for any hate crime and if this happens to you or if you witness this type of behaviour, please tell us – we will not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind and neither should you.”

Following the guilty verdict, Sir Alan expressed “sincere gratitude” to police for their assistance.

He added: “I have to be honest, I was reluctant to pass this matter on to the police as they are already stretched and have enough on their plates dealing with serious crimes.

“I would like to thank them sincerely for helping to shine a light on the fact that this type of behaviour is simply not acceptable and that racism or any form of discrimination is simply not acceptable.”

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