An alcoholic racially abused restaurant workers, indecently exposed himself to customers and threatened to burn down the premises.

Paul Holloway also assaulted a woman at the Ipanema Greek restaurant in Western Road, Hove.

The 36-year-old admitted racially-aggravated threatening behaviour and common assault and a judge labelled his conduct "appalling".

Lewes Crown Court heard Holloway, of Cambridge Road, Hove, had already served three-and-a-half months in custody. He will now be assessed by probation officers before being sentenced.

Rossano Scamardella, prosecuting, said the incident took place late on August 4, while owner Dimosthenis Koumaridis was present.

Customers noticed Holloway across the road in the doorway of the Brunswick Surgery.

He appeared to be urinating but turned round with his trousers down and indecently exposed himself towards the restaurant.

Holloway approached the restaurant after realising people were watching him and began swearing.

He told staff: "You foreigners should leave Brighton. Go back to your own country."

Mr Scamardella said: "Holloway was ushered out of the restaurant. While outside, he grabbed a mobile menu board, pulled it from its position and threw it to the ground.

"His general abuse and racial abuse continued to all and sundry. He ripped off his shirt and stood in the middle of the road shouting.

"Holloway then went to St Patrick's night shelter. He returned with another man and further threats were issued to the staff and the owner of the restaurant including, 'We're going to burn your restaurant down. We're going to get you'."

During this time, Holloway assaulted a woman and the police were called. Mr Koumaridis later went with officers to the night shelter, where Holloway was arrested.

Holloway, who said he would send flowers to the restaurant, had 12 previous convictions for 27 offences, all of which were drink-fuelled, the court heard.

He told the court: "I am very sorry for what happened on this day and am very disappointed as well, because of the time I put into dealing with alcoholism, which has blighted my life since I was old enough to legally drink in bars.

"I am ashamed of myself and very sorry for putting them through the ordeal."

Judge Charles Kemp said: "It is most appalling, offensive behaviour.

"I would be very concerned if he lapsed again, with him living in the middle of Brighton."

Holloway was released on bail until January 14 while he is assessed by probation officers.