A MAN who launched a tirade of racist abuse at an African man before punching him several times has appeared at court.

Mohammed Abdin shouted racist remarks at his victim from across the street in Darlington before pulling his trousers down and shouting “kiss my a**e.”

The 42-year-old then became violent and started punching the man before being held back by a member of the public who intervened.

Joanne Hesse, prosecuting, said: “This was an unprovoked attack. [The victim] was at a shop on Gladstone Street with his mother when he noticed the defendant approaching him.

“He began shouting ‘I was born here you black b*****d, I’m going to f*** you up, n****, repeatedly.

“This continued and the defendant was shouting so loud that people were coming out of their homes to see what was happening.

“He pulled his pants down and showed his bottom, shouting ‘kiss my a***, n****.

“He began throwing punches which connected with the victim’s head and ribs, he was held back by a member of the public but managed to break free.

“The injured party got his phone out to call the police and Mr Abdin began shouting ‘look at this pussy n**** calling the police'.

“The defendant went to his nearby flat and returned with a bronze metal object in between his fingers before he continued to punch the injured party in the ribs.”

In a statement read out during the court hearing, the victim said he was left “petrified,” adding: “I was very humiliated in front of members of the public. I feel dehumanised and petrified in case something happens again.”

Abdin pleaded guilty to one count of racially aggravated common assault/beating on Thursday, July 23.

A Probation Officer said the defendant was a chronic alcohol drinker and had been drinking vodka before the incident.

He said: “He suffers with his mental health and is in poor health physically after falling and breaking his elbow whilst intoxicated.

“He does have a wife and a child who live in Bangladesh, he lives here.

“He tells me he does know the injured party as they live near each other, and he’s not sure why he would behave like this.”

Abdin, of Gladstone Street, Darlington, was given an 18 month community order with a requirement to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.

He must also pay £75 compensation to the victim.