A RACIST thug who launched a foul-mouthed and violent attack on an Asian shopkeeper is starting a two-year prison sentence.

Jordan Marsh’s expletive-ridden rant at the Middlesbrough trader was described as “appalling” by a judge as he jailed the 21-year-old.

Marsh was drunk when he struck at Bashers convenience store in Beaumont Street, North Ormesby, last November, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He smashed bottles of spirits, alcopops and other booze on the floor, and pulled a coffee machine from a counter, said prosecutor Jenny Haigh.

When the boss rushed downstairs to check out the noise, Marsh yelled swear words and racial abuse at the retailer, before shouting “Come on”.

After fleeing from the shop and being followed by the shopkeeper, the yob turned around and headed back with a house brick in his hand.

Marsh kicked his victim in the left shin, and when he raised his leg to protect himself, he lost balance, fell over and twisted his ankle.

Police arrived on the scene, but Marsh continued to be abusive and tried to kick the doors and windows of the van he was placed in.

Miss Haigh said he spat and kicked inside the vehicle, and was warned that he would be CS sprayed if he did not immediately calm down.

The court heard that Marsh has 40 convictions for 90 offences which go back to when he was a juvenile - with many for public disorder.

In November, he was the subject of a suspended prison sentence for an attempted burglary when he was seen on a roof in the early hours.

He admitted criminal damage, assault, theft, racially-aggravated intentional harassment and using threatening or insulting words or behaviour as well as breaching his suspended sentence.

Kelleigh Lodge, mitigating, said: “He doesn’t consider himself to be a racist, but obviously the comments he made were of a racist nature.”

Judge Sean Morris told him: “You have an appalling record, absolutely appalling. The only thing to be said for you is you pleaded guilty.

“You’ve been given every chance by umpteen courts, and have not taken any of them. You stand to be sentenced for the most awful behaviour.

“You behaved like a thug, and a racist thug at that. Members of the public were there, and they were undoubtedly upset by your behaviour.

“You kicked the person who worked in the shop, so he was hobbling around, and you stole items, you called people [a racist term].

“This is a small island we live on. We all have to get along. People who spoil society, and the peace and tranquility of our community by using racist language will pay the price.”

Miss Lodge accepted that previous punishments such as an electronic tag curfew, and suspended prison sentences, have not worked for Marsh.

She told Judge Morris: “He is genuinely sorry for putting himself in this position, and for his behaviour towards his victims.”