Seabrook man sentenced for using racial slur during gas station confrontation

Staff reports 5:36 a.m.


Seabrook man sentenced for using racial slur during gas station confrontation

CONCORD - A Seabrook man has been found guilty of violating New Hampshire's Civil Rights Act when he made racial slurs against a black man at a Seabrook gas station in July.

The finding was made Monday at the Rockingham County Superior Court, and released by the Attorney General's Office.

Following an evidentiary hearing earlier this month, the court found that on July 29, 2020, John Doran, 62, threatened physical force against the victim and the victim's family when he raised and pointed a gas hose in the victim's direction, said a racial slur and told him to "get back or I'll f---- burn you. Go back to Africa."

The exchange came after the victim and the victim's family stopped to confront Doran for shouting racial slurs at them at the Valero gas station in Seabrook.

The court concluded that this conduct was motivated by animus toward the victim's race and had the purpose to terrorize or coerce the victim and the victim's family.

Because the trial court found that Doran violated the Civil Rights Act, the court enjoined Doran from further violations of the Civil Rights Act, RSA 354-B:1, from contacting the victim and the victim's family, and from knowingly coming within 250 feet of the victim.

The trial court also imposed a $5,000 civil penalty to be paid within 30 days of the order. A violation of the terms of the injunction may subject Doran to future civil and/or criminal penalties to include fines or jail time. The court's order shall remain in effect for three years but may be extended by order of the court upon motion of the Attorney General.

The Civil Rights Unit enforces state and federal civil rights laws, including the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act and the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination. Anyone who believes their civil rights may have been violated may file a complaint at https://www.doj.nh.gov/civil-rights/index.htm or by calling 603-271-3650.