A GOLLIWOG was displayed in a first-floor window with what appeared to be a noose around its neck.

The property was above a pizza restaurant and across the road from two Indian restaurants.

Jason Wakefield-Jones, aged 50, of Bastion Road, Prestatyn, pleaded guilty to displaying it with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress and that the offence was racially aggravated.

District Judge Gwyn Jones, sitting at Llandudno magistrates’ court, fined him £250 with £85 costs and a £30 surcharge and told him: “You may think that was funny but it was not.”

James Neary, prosecuting, said a local woman spotted the golliwog in the window of Wakefield-Jones' flat in December, 2017.

At one stage there were disco lights behind the golliwog, which drew attention to it.

Both the woman and her mother were upset by the doll and wondered what tourists would think of Prestatyn if they saw it. When the golliwog had not been removed by January 4 she told the police, who visited the flat.

Roger Thomas, defending, said Wakefield-Jones had bought the golliwog in Rhyl and did not intend to cause any offence.

His client, who was seriously ill, was of mixed race and was friends with the staff of the nearby restaurants.

“He realises now it was a mistake,” said Mr Thomas.