A married couple have admitted carrying out a racially aggravated assault after a confrontation with a healthcare worker in a public park was widely shared online. Fyona Bairstow, 72, and Michael Bairstow, 77, admitted the offence during a hearing at Bradford Magistrates' Court. The incident took place at Manor Heath Park on 28 August last year and involved Apple Moorhouse, who challenged the couple about their dog not being kept on a lead.

According to the court, tensions escalated after Moorhouse approached the pair and suggested the dog should be restrained. Prosecutor Richard Davies told the hearing that Michael Bairstow reacted aggressively, directing racist remarks toward her and shouting for her to “go back to your dinghy”.

When Moorhouse attempted to leave the situation, the court heard that Fyona Bairstow grabbed her by the ponytail and pulled her backwards. In a statement read to the court, Moorhouse described the moment, saying she was pulled back by her hair as she tried to walk away, causing her head to jerk backwards.

Moorhouse also told the court the couple repeatedly made racist comments during the confrontation, focusing on immigration and directing offensive language at her, including calling her a slave.

The situation escalated further when another woman stepped in to defend Moorhouse. Prosecutors said Michael Bairstow struck the woman in the face and shouted remarks about her “sticking up for immigrants”.

The court also heard that earlier in the confrontation the Bairstows’ dog had approached a nearby child and begun barking. When Moorhouse raised concerns about the animal being off the lead, Michael Bairstow allegedly told the dog to “get her, kill,” before throwing a bottle of water toward Moorhouse and shouting anti-immigration comments.

Both defendants, who live in Shelf near Halifax, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault. Michael Bairstow also admitted assaulting the woman who intervened.

The case has been adjourned until 16 April while a pre-sentence report is prepared. In the meantime, the couple have been released on bail with conditions preventing them from contacting Moorhouse or returning to Manor Heath Park.

Speaking outside court, Moorhouse—who moved to the UK from the Philippines more than 15 years ago and is now a British citizen—said the incident had left her feeling anxious and unsafe.

She explained that the experience had significantly affected her daily life, leaving her constantly looking over her shoulder and feeling upset whenever she thought about what happened.

Moorhouse also revealed the incident had impacted her career. Having previously worked in healthcare, she said she had planned to return to the profession but felt too frightened after the confrontation.

“Caring was my passion,” she said, explaining that the experience made it difficult for her to go back to the work she loved.

The case will return to court in April when sentencing is expected to take place.

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