A FOUL-MOUTHED yob spouted religious hatred and abuse at a disable person in a supermarket.

John Stahl had been refused alcohol at Tesco Extra in Durrington because of his demeanour.

The unemployed 45-year-old became aggressive and had to be restrained by staff. He made hateful comments to those nearby, including a wheelchair user.

Stahl, of Wallace Avenue, Worthing, admitted assault and using threatening or abusive behaviour. He was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, with a £50 fine, £85 costs and £85 surcharge.

Speaking after the case, Police Sergeant Peter Allan, said: “I am pleased that the court deemed the offences to be hate related and used the powers available to them to increase the sentence imposed. It is especially pleasing as disablist hate crime is recognised as being significantly under-reported.

“The sentence imposed in this case demonstrates the seriousness with which Sussex Police and the wider criminal justice system takes such behaviour. I hope it sends a clear message to those who are victims of hate crime, that we will take the matter seriously and seek to hold the perpetrators of such a personal crime to account.

“Hate crime can be reported online or by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”