A teenager beat an Asian man with an extendable baton in Colchester town centre in a daylight attack.

Scott McHale attacked Samir Gurung without provocation in Eld Lane and repeatedly struck him with the baton, Colchester Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

The 19-year-old then punched a police officer trying to arrest him.

The court was shown CCTV footage of McHale calmly strolling through the town centre between committing the offence and being detained.

He admitted charges of racially-aggravated assault and threatening behaviour, assaulting a police officer and possession of cannabis and an offensive weapon.

Russell Haldane, mitigating, said McHale's girlfriend had told him she had had an abortion on the day he attacked Mr Gurung.

"He is supported by his family and has no previous convictions," he said.

"McHale has been seen by probation officers but they cannot find an explanation for his actions."

The court also heard that on July 24, McHale smashed a shop window and grappled with police officers trying to arrest him.

He admitted charges of criminal damage and obstructing police in the execution of their duties.

District Judge David Cooper described McHale's conduct as "dismal" and adjourned the case for sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 4.

He was released on conditional bail, and must live at his parents' house in Whitehall Close, Old Heath, and abide by a night-time curfew.