A DRUNKEN man racially abused a security officer when he was told to leave a supermarket.

Martin Haywood was told by the officer to leave Sainsbury’s in Worcester because he was banned from the supermarket but he protested.

Haywood, aged 30, of the Chace Centre, Chace Avenue, Coventry, admitted racially aggravated public order when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester.

Sarah Stock, prosecuting, said Haywood approached the security officer with his arm held up, swearing at about 1.30pm on June 18.

“The officer feared he was going to be assaulted,” she said.

He also directed racially offensive language at Mr Haywood, she said and threatened ‘knock his glasses off’.

The abuse was overheard by the store manager.

Mrs Stock said Haywood told police he had consumed half a bottle of whisky, half a bottle of vodka and some Special Brew and he was drunk.

“He accepts it was not an appropriate way to talk to someone” she said.

Haywood has three similar relevant convictions.

Mark Lister, defending, said: “He has made efforts to try and sort his life out. He wants to turn his life around but clearly can’t cope with that on his own.”

Haywood, who was asked to be quiet several times by his own defence solicitor, said: “I apologise. I’m not a racist person by the way.”

He was given a conditional discharge for 16 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the security officer and a contribution towards costs of £50.

Haywood said: “Don’t you think that’s a lot of money to pay for someone on benefits?” He was again told to be quiet by Mr Lister.