A MAN was jailed for 18 months after subjecting a shopkeeper to a four-year race-hate campaign.

Paul McClusky, 20, bombarded Mohinder Singh with a torrent of racial abuse before finally attacking him in October.

McClusky had already appeared before the courts on four occasions for offences against Mr Singh, including throwing a brick through his shop window and threatening him.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the latest spate of attacks began in August when McClusky was outside his shop in Brighton Parade, Hebburn.

Mr Singh's 15-year-old daughter overheard the racial taunts.

Then, on October 30, McCluskey walked into the shop, and punched Mr Singh twice in the face.

McClusky, of Bronte Street, Gateshead, admitted racially aggravated harassment, racially aggravated assault and failing to surrender to bail.

Sarah Mallett, for McClusky, said: "He does not have negative feelings towards people of a different race - it is Mr Singh he does not get on with.