A MAN who abused a cabbie claimed he was not a racist - and handed a court letters from his Asian neighbours in a bid to prove it.

Burnley magistrates heard how Brian Cook, 62, had taken the victim's taxi badge and said it was not him and was shouting and swearing and making offensive remarks..

Cook, of Hargreaves Street, Nelson, admitted racially aggravated threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and disorderly behaviour. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge with £50 costs.

Wendy Chappell, prosecuting, told the court victim Shazah Ahmed, who worked for UK Cars on Leeds Road, Nelson, took the defendant to his house.

Cook kept saying Mr Ahmed was not the person on his driver's badge and accused him of having no licence. When Cook got home, he took the badge and was racially abusive.

Hilary Docherty, defending, said the offences were out of character and Cook was ashamed and sorry. He could not remember what he said but accepted the crown's case.

Miss Docherty said Cook lived in an Asian community and she handed over two letters on his behalf from neighbours.