A newsagent was subjected to a racial attack in Colchester.
The shopowner was punched and his jacket ripped in the assault, which took place after he pursued a shoplifter, a court heard.
The man was working at Golden News, on Maldon Road, at 8.30pm on May 17 when two men entered the shop.
Colin New asked to buy some cigarette papers while his friend pinched a bottle of wine.
Colchester magistrates heard the shopowner ran after the two men. He grabbed hold of New and told him to ask his friend to pay for the wine. The thief then threatened to smash the bottle on the victim's head.
Grace Court, prosecuting, said the newsagent was assaulted by both men and punched in the face as they hurled racist abuse at him.
New, 34, of Harwich Road, Mistley, who was not represented, told magistrates his behaviour was "completely out of order".
He admitted racial and religious harassment. He said: "I was trying to stop my friend bottling him, because that's what he was going to do - I'm not trying to say I'm a hero."
He begged the bench not to impose a community order saying he was more committed to keeping his new job and did not want to have to come back into Colchester.
"If I come back to Colchester, then I'll be back on the drugs because of my will-power - I'm not strong enough. It's been 18 months so far and I've had three relapses but I'm getting there."
He was given an 18-month community order and must pay £70 compensation to his victim.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, September 13, 2005
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