MARK Andrew Smith shouted racist abuse at his Asian neighbours after they challenged him over damage to their fence.

Blackburn magistrates heard that despite being arrested and charged with offences Smith again shouted racist abuse at his neighbours less than two weeks later.

Smith, 25, of North Road, Blackburn, was convicted after a trial of damaging a fence belonging to Mrs Zahida Ashraf, using racially aggravated threats and behaviour towards her and resisting a constable. When he appeared for sentence on those matters Smith had asked for another offence of racially aggravated threatening behaviour to be taken into consideration.

He was ordered to complete 240 hours community service and pay £230 compensation to Mrs Ashraf and her family.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said at 10.15pm Smith had been in the back garden of his home and damaged the fence between his garden and the Ashraf's garden, which belonged to the Ashraf family.

"When challenged he made racist remarks which caused offence and put Mrs Ashraf in fear for her safety," said Mr Standage. "When spoken to by two police officers he ran away and was only arrested after a considerable struggle."

Kevin Preston, defending, said Smith had always accepted that he was guilty of offences of damage, public order and resisting arrest.

"The problem was with the allegation that the offences were racist," said Mr Preston. "The term British is now considered racist by certain individuals."