A DRUNK man who robbed a youth of his mobile phone and racially abused a police officer has been given another chance by the courts.

James Bateman had already admitted robbery, attempted robbery and racially aggravated public order when he appeared before recorder Abigail Nixon at Worcester Crown Court to be sentenced on Friday.

Three youths were at the town’s Istanbul take out when they saw the 20-year-old arguing with doorstaff at 57 Monkeys nightclub in Bromsgrove at 10.30pm on February 3.

Justin Jarmola, prosecuting, said Bateman made his way towards the take out and was described as getting ‘nose to nose’ with one of the youths, saying‘give me £20 now’.

Mr Jarmola said: "This was refused. He also stated ‘give me your chain’. Once again this was refused.”

Mr Jarmola said the defendant made a number of threats but a 'good Samaritan' intervened, causing Bateman to back away. But he returned and snatched an iPhone worth £350 from another of the youths.

Mr Jarmola said the doorstaff from Monkeys had been alerted and restrained Mr Bateman until police arrested him which was when he made racially abusive comments to one of the officers.

Bateman of Flavel Road, Bromsgrove, had six convictions for 18 offences with an incident of battery recorded in March and convictions for common assault and obstructing an officer.

Michael Aspinall, defending, said: "The problem is drink. That is a problem he has suffered from for a long time. It was not prolonged. The good Samaritan was not named.

"He seems to be someone who kept order. He said 'stop bullying the kids'. He took the phone (from Bateman) and gave it back."

Mr Aspinall described the incident as 'nasty bullying' and said Bateman had been 'very intoxicated'.

He added: "He's had something of a sad and unusual life."

Bateman's dad had suffered a car accident eight years ago and he was left in a coma. His father died and Bateman started drinking at the age of 14, leaving school early. He had lost contact with his mother who had a new partner.

Mr Aspinall said: "He essentially became homeless without any support network at all."

Bateman has since been involved in a detox programme in Redditch where he was an inpatient but began drinking again. He has also received support from the Bromsgrove Basement Project.

Recorder Abigail Nixon said: "You accept and acknowledge that what you did that night was disgraceful. The behaviour towards the officer was absolutely disgraceful and you acknowledge that as well.

"To your credit you also acknowledge the fact your drinking does not provide you with an excuse but is regarded as an aggravating feature by the court."

She said the two young men must have been 'terrified' and that it was fortunate neither sustained injury.

"Fortunately a brave member of the public intervened and stopped it getting worse for them and for you" she said.

Recorder Nixon gave him maximum credit for his early guilty plea. She said there was 'a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and strong personal mitigation', that Bateman had shown 'genuine remorse' and was motivated to address his drinking problem.

Recorder Nixon sentenced him to 10 months in prison but suspended the sentence for two years. He must take part in 30 rehabilitation activity days and a 12 month alcohol treatment requirement.

"I'm taking a chance on you by suspending this sentence" she said.