A 25-year-old man who told a cancer survivor police officer “I hope your mum and dad die of cancer” whilst being treated at St Mary’s Hospital has been sentenced by magistrates.
Finn Barker, 25, of Thornhill Road in Bradford, admitted a single charge of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000, and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
The court heard that, on 23rd November 2025, Barker launched a tirade of abuse towards a police officer whilst being treated at St Mary’s Hospital.
In front of patients and hospital staff, Barker told the officer – who is a cancer survivor – “I hope your mum and dad die of cancer”.
The court heard that the officer, who is a cancer survivor, was impacted by Barker’s comments.
25-year-old Baker also spat on a police car, the court heard.
Barker has previously appeared before the courts in both his native Yorkshire and Teesside.
Defending Barker, Oscar Vincent told the court that his client was “apologetic” and hoped he would be able to tell the officer involved as much. He added that Barker was undergoing mental health counselling and was training to become a qualified forklift driver.
Magistrates, who spent time deliberating the sentence they were going to hand down, said Barker’s behaviour was “totally unacceptable”. They fined him £320 and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £128, prosecution costs of £85 and £100 in compensation.
