A RACIST man who attacked taxi drivers has been given an ASBO.

John Hughes, 50, of Dean Gardens, Portslade, was handed the anti-social behaviour order after carrying out a number of racially motivated attacks.

It prohibits him from using racist or abusive language in a public place in Brighton and Hove, or encouraging others to do so, and he cannot use any licensed cab in the city.

He appeared at Brighton Magistrate’s Court on November 26 charged with racially aggravated crimes and causing intentional harassment, resisting arrest and criminal damage.

In George Street in May Hughes approached an Asian taxi driver, made racist comments and assault him. When police arrived he resisted arrest and vandalised the police car. He was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison on September 16 for racially aggravated common assault and 12 weeks for racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, which ran concurrently.

He was previously convicted in August last year for similar offences and racist abuse towards PC Vince Lam and SC Elliott Abdo.

Sergeant David Palmer, of the Brighton and Hove Safe in the City Team, said: "The order on Hughes sends a strong message that racist behaviour will not be tolerated anywhere in this city. Hughes' behaviour and language is totally unacceptable and always completely unprovoked.

"This is a great example of partner organisations in the city working together to deter an offender who has caused harm in our communities."

Councillor Jason Kitcat, chairman of the Community Safety Forum, said: "No-one should suffer from racial abuse or physical assault including people like taxi drivers and those working in the night time economy. This case shows that we will work closely with our city partners to stop offenders in Brighton & Hove ruining people's lives.

"We will make use of the latest powers available to us to tackle anti-social behaviour and hate incidents which are specifically designed to tackle persistently anti-social individuals and those persons involved in criminal activity.

"If anyone experiences anti-social behaviour we would urge them to make contact with our community safety team or the police."

Anyone experiencing antisocial behaviour should call 01273 292735 or email communitysafety.casework@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk or report to the police on 999 in an emergency.