A DRUNK father-to-be launched into a racist tirade of abuse at takeaway staff saying "if you can burn poppies you can burn a mosque".

Alex Brookes, aged 28, of Sky Court, also called Worcester police officer Michael Pennifold "PC Jew" during his outburst.

He pleaded guilty to racial/religiously aggravated intentional harassment at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 23.

Brookes had visited Chicks Chicken & Pizza, on The Cross, where during interaction with two staff members he said "if you can burn poppies you can burn a mosque".

Shafquat Riaz, prosecuting, said the defendant’s actions amounted to a hate crime.

"As a result of the defendant's actions he was arrested and taken custody where he was abusive to PC Pennifold, he said.

Brooks was then brought to a cell and where he was abusive in language and made remarks about the prophet Muhammad.

The offence was said to have been triggered by the anniversary of his father's death.

Jo Outhwaite, defending, said: "He is remorseful. He is the first to admit his appalling behaviour. He cannot recall what he said because he was intoxicated."

"On that day he was working close to the city hospital here he lost his father. Where he last saw him alive."

She said she had asked Brookes, who has a Jamaican partner who is expecting their first child, how he would feel if someone had said that to her.

The court heard Brookes, who appeared tearful, had been "ashamed" that his father supported the National Front and was trying to work through his issues.

Magistrates handed him a 12-month community order with 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days, ordered him to complete 160 hours unpaid work, pay £100 compensation to PC Pennifold, £185 court costs and a £85 victim surcharge.

Brookes has previous convictions, two were relevant to this case.

The crime took place on Sunday, November 12.