A MAN who racially abused a taxi driver in a rumpus over 30 pence has been given six months to keep his nose clean.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Richard Studholme, an alcoholic at 25, became aggressive and threatened the victim he would "get it".

The defendant had originally been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence, but the cabbie now accepted his behaviour was spur of the moment rage and not racially motivated.

Studholme had sentence deferred until March 14 by a judge who told him to go away and make something of his life. Recorder Teresa Pepper said she was giving Studholme, recently made subject of a community rehabilitation order, the chance to see if he could keep himself out of trouble, co-operate with the probation service and take the opportunities offered to him.

The judge warned Studholme: "If you don't take full advantage of the chances given you, you will be going to prison. It's in your own hands."

The defendant, of Leicester Road, Blackburn, had earlier admitted threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.