A 39-year-old man caused damage to a chip-and-pin machine at a Texaco petrol station in Smethwick after allegedly being subjected to a racial comment. Adrian-Costinel Rotaru, who had been a regular customer at the garage for approximately 16 years, visited the station on the morning of 15 November 2025 at around 9:30 am.
Rotaru became unhappy when he was asked to pay before filling up his vehicle, a request he claimed was not made of other customers. When he queried the difference in treatment, he was reportedly told, “If you don’t like it, go back to Romania.”
Following this exchange, the court heard that Rotaru picked up the chip-and-pin machine and threw it onto the floor, breaking the device, which was valued at approximately £200. He then left the petrol station and drove away.
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At Dudley Magistrates' Court on 30 July, Rotaru pleaded guilty to criminal damage. His legal representative confirmed his client had a previously good character and emphasised his long-standing patronage of the petrol station. The representative noted that the incident occurred early in the morning when Rotaru was singled out to pay before refuelling, unlike other customers.
The magistrate acknowledged Rotaru’s previous good character and described the incident as a “silly moment,” recommending drawing a line under the matter.
Rotaru was ordered to pay £200 in compensation and £85 in court costs.