A MAN who racially abused and spat at a police officer was told his behaviour had been "absolutely appalling."

Deputy District Judge Geraldine Kelly, sitting at Blackburn magistrates, told Jaymie Benson it was "absolutely disgusting" that the officer should be treated in the way he was.

"Being a police officer is difficult enough, carrying out their duties to serve the public," said Deputy District Judge Kelly.

"Situations like this make life far more difficult for them.

"When the officer tried to arrest you, you accused him of being racist. You treated him with a total lack of respect and behaved towards him in a racist way."

Benson, 28, of Shelfield Road, Nelson, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour and two charges of criminal damage.

He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £75 compensation to PC Akash, £140 to the car owners , £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge.

Sazeeda Ismail, prosecuting, said PC Akash attended Pine Street in Nelson following reports of a number of people fighting and throwing bottles. When officers arrived there was no trouble but a car had been damaged and Benson was identified as being responsible.

"He was arrested and began to swear at the officers, making racist comments towards PC Akash, and trying to spit at him," said Miss Ismail.

"At one stage he took of his top and challenged the officers to fight."

Miss Ismail said the wing mirrors of two cars parked on the street had been damaged.

Benson, who was not represented, said he was deeply ashamed of his behaviour.

"I'm not a racist person, I'm really not," he said.

"I accept I have a problem with drink and if I can get any help with that I would accept it."