A DRUNKEN man shouted racist abuse at a group of Asian males on a busy Blackburn centre street.

Blackburn magistrates heard a passing woman was so upset she tried to intervene on behalf of the young men before eventually calling the police.

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David Charles Pickup, 64, of Aberdare Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour. He was fined £165 with £105 costs.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said the witness was on Northgate when she saw Pickup “hurling abuse” at the group of Asian males. He called them the scum of the earth before turning his attentions to another Asian male.

She said when interviewed Pickup claimed the youths had bumped into him and when he challenged them they said; “Why what are you going to do, grandad?”

Imran Hussain, defending, said up until three weeks ago Pickup had been sectioned and had spent 12 months in hospital.

“He apologises for the language he used which he accepts was disgusting,” said Mr Hussain.