A DRIVER from Eastern Europe flew into a racist rant against two Asian men who were talking outside his house while he was trying to sleep.

Blackburn magistrates heard Zyrdunas Laurukaitis referred to their Muslim faith and made a slitting action across his throat which they took as a direct threat.

Laurukaitis, 45, of Leyland Road, Burnley, admitted two charges of racially aggravated threatening behaviour.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 60 hours' unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £85 victim surcharge.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Wajid Ali and his friend Amjad Ali were talking in the street just after midnight on August 4.

“The defendant came out and complained about them talking loudly,” said Mrs Mann.

“He said he couldn’t sleep and accused them of doing it all the time.”

She said the victims explained they were just chatting after finishing work when Laurukaitis became angry and agitated.

“He made some racist comments and then made a gesture, moving his thumb across his throat,” said Mrs Mann.

“He said that was what they did in European countries.”

Glenn Smith, defending, said his client came from Lithuania and had lived in the UK for five years without incident.

“He works 60 hours a week as a driver and was due to get up very early the morning after this incident,” said Mr Smith.

“He heard voices immediately outside his house and he says this is something that happens frequently.

“His intention in going outside was not to be abusive or threatening but simply to ask the people to be more considerate. The response he got caused him to react impulsively.”

Passing sentence the chairman of the magistrates said they believed his actions were; “impulsive and reactive and there was some provocation.”