A man who sang a racist song after an Asian male got on the bus has avoided an immediate prison sentence.

Blackburn magistrates heard that David Thompson, 55, made several references to the Taliban after Ibrahim Mulla got on the bus from Darwen to Blackburn.

Thompson, who has a swastika tattooed on his arm, maintained his racist rendition throughout the 20-minute journey, until his target reacted angrily.

Mr Mulla had to be restrained by the driver and other passengers as he challenged Thompson to ‘say it to his face’.

After he was arrested, Thompson admitted to police he was racist, that he didn’t like Asians and he didn’t want them in his country, the court heard.

Thompson, of Glebe Close, Accrington, admitted racially aggravated threatening behaviour.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to community supervision for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Mulla and £80 costs.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said: “In context, it is a drunken man singing a song which is best described as tasteless.”