A MAN who hurled racial abuse at a policeman has been ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Lee Towler, 23, pleaded guilty to threatening violence and resisting a police officer in his duty.

Yesterday South Durham Magistrates' Court, sitting in Newton Aycliffe, heard how Towler had called PC Bitoo Kumar "Osama bin Laden" and used a tirade of swear words and racist language during the incident in Darlington, on January 18.

PC Kumar and a colleague were called to a domestic violence incident in Westminster Road, in the town, at about 9.40pm.

Towler and a woman had been arguing and Towler, of Bluebell Close, Newton Aycliffe, had been hit on the head with a hammer.

Sharon Nevison, prosecuting, said PC Kumar tried to calm the situation. She said: "The most despicable comments were made to the officer."

Laura Saunders-Jerome, mitigating, described Towler as a charming young man.

She said: "He is very ashamed of his behaviour and very embarrassed about what he said." She said he had apologised to PC Kumar.

Chairwoman of the bench, Greta Foulds, told Towler he had come very close to getting a prison sentence.

Towler was also given a 12-month community rehabilitation order and £55 costs.