A MAN allegedly subjected a takeaway manager and his staff to a two-week campaign of racial abuse and threats, a court was told.

Benjamin Myers, 20, denied making threats to damage property or being racially abusive.

The defendant, of Kirkstall Drive, Barnoldswick, also denies racially aggravated harrassment, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Charlotte Crangle, prosecuting, told the court Myers' alleged conduct started at the Station Road, Barnoldswick, shop on March 2. He bought a sausage for 70p, but bargained, wanting to pay 50p instead. He demanded a free burger, got aggressive and stayed in the takeaway for ten to 15 minutes, not leaving with the group he went in with. Myers threatened to smash the shop windows and said free food would be cheaper than replacing them.

Miss Crangle said Myers then called the staff foreigners, told them they should go back to their own country and spat at Mr Alshmary.

He was back in the takeaway just after midnight on March 15 when he allegedly threatened to cause damage and drew attention to the fact his skin was white.

The prosecutor said Myers later returned the same day, just before 10pm. He was again trying to get free food and was racially abusive.

He was arrested on March 18 and when questioned at the police station, accepted he had been at the takeaway on all three occasions.

(Proceeding)