A FACEBOOK troll who targeted a disability rights campaigner has been reported to Police Scotland for alleged hate crimes.
Tony Bain taunted Rachael Monk with a string of vile comments including saying: “Two Mongs don’t make a right.”
But the abusive messages backfired after 32-year-old Rachael, from Dumfries and Galloway, struck back.
She told Bain, from Glasgow: “I’m the lady in the video…your comments have actually made me laugh, they’re nothing new or original.
“Did you know hate crime is a criminal offence? Good luck when the police come knocking!
“Ignorance is a bigger disability.”
Rachael, from Annan, has cerebral palsy and can only speak through a computer.
She appeared in a video made by the “Now Hear Me” campaign, which promotes understanding for those suffering from speech impairment or loss as a result of disability.
In a series of Facebook messages, posted on an NHS page, Bain also commented: “Warning you will need an umbrella before watching this video.”
The comments sparked outrage from campaign supporters, who called Bain “worse than disgusting” and a “trolling little scumbag”.
Another asked Bain: “Have you actually looked in the mirror?”
Bain, who revealed he was previously employed by Argos, was also asked: “Which Argos do you work at Tony? I’d love to pay you a visit.”
Someone else wrote: “Send me your address privately then Tony Bain and we’ll see who likes hiding behind a keyboard. I’ll knock all them filthy yellow teeth out with a single bat.”
Bain was also told: “You’re worse than disgusting, I’m not sure there is a word for people like you yet but there should be and it should come with a jail sentence. You are a disgrace to your family.”
A spokesman for NHS Education for Scotland said, “As soon as we became aware of wholly inappropriate posts on our Facebook page, we took action to block the individual. We have also reported the matter to the police.”
A spokesman for the Now Hear Me campaign also confirmed that they had reported the incident to Police Scotland.
Police Scotland was unable yesterday (Fri) to find a record of the NHS complaint.
But the force added they “would assess and investigate as appropriate any complaint made to us concerning comments which could be considered criminal”.
In the campaign video, Rachael says, “I am a bright person and intelligent, and I want my thoughts and feelings to be heard and not wasted. Everyone has the right to communicate.”
Argos confirmed that “Bain left the business last year”. Bain could not be contacted for comment.
