TWO men racially abused the manager of a Blackburn hostel when he spoke to them about their behaviour and suggested they go outside and get some fresh air.

Blackburn magistrates heard the men repeatedly called the manager derogatory names and then one of them, James Rothwell, said: “I haven’t done anything, you’re only doing this because I am a Scouser.”

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Rothwell, 27, of Cherry Croft, Skelmersdale, and Daniel Leah, 25, of Rose Terrace, Ashton, pleaded guilty at the town’s magistrates court to racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards Chaudry Hussain.

They were each jailed for 10 weeks and ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge on release.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Mr Hussain was in the office at the Islington Motel in Great Bolton Street when internal CCTV showed the two men, who were both residents, running down a corridor before kicking and banging on a door.

When they came down Rothwell was holding the wall and having difficulty walking.

The court heard the victim Mr Hussain formed the opinion he was under the influence of drugs or drink.

“He told them to go out and get some fresh air but instead they followed him and started shouting racist abuse,” said Miss Allan.

“He was so concerned for his personal safety he rang 999.”

Imran Hussain, for Rothwell, said his client accepted that while in drink he used language that wasn’t appropriate.

“It was only words and there was no actual violence,” said Mr Hussain.

Jonathan Taylor, for Leah, said his client was not happy with the food that was being supplied at the hostel and there was some tension.

“He felt he was no longer welcome and that was why an argument started on this day,” said Mr Taylor.