AN axeman who attacked a victim in the street after hurling racial abuse at him has been locked up for 16 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Jolee Hayman, 20, hit his victim Mohammed Sohail Hussain on the head, leaving him with a gash in the late-night confrontation on Albert Street, in the town. He had tried to set his dog on the victim.

The hearing was told Hayman then tried to strike Mr Hussain's brother, Mohammed Akeel Hussain with the weapon, but missed, although he did hit his £600 telephone. The defendant then ran off, but was arrested later.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment after the incident, which caused dizziness, drowsiness and headaches. Hayman, of Albert Street, Burnley, had admitted possessing an offensive weapon, affray and wounding, on January 26. David Bruce, prosecuting, said at about 11.30pm, Mr Hussain and his girlfriend Stacey Lewis were sitting in his brother's car when their at-tention was drawn to the defendant banging on a nearby door. Hayman got no response, turned towards the car and was abusive towards the victim.

Mr Hussain got out of the vehicle and asked why he had been racially abused. Ms Lewis shouted at Hayman to leave her boyfriend alone.

Mr Bruce said the defendant then produced the weapon from his jacket and began to threaten the victim. The victim's brother tried to intervene, but Hayman hit Mr Hussain on the head with the axe. He was taken to Burnley General Hospital and then to the Royal Blackburn Hospital. The hearing was told the defendant had a history of violence.