A former SAS soldier from Sussex has been conditionally discharged for 12 months for sparking a near riot by racially taunting a busker.

Bearded Joanna Stephanie White admitted last December intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm and distress to the musician in London's Leicester Square.

The former soldier is currently receiving treatment at a medium secure hospital in Eastbourne under a section three Mental Health Act order and being assessed for a sex change.

At Southwark Crown Court yesterday, Judge Jeffrey Rucker said he felt it unlikely White would reoffend.

The court had been told of difficulties in gaining psychiatric reports on the defendant's current state of health.

As Michael Williams, White served more than 13 years in the Army, first with the Royal Corps of Signals and later 22 Squadron the SAS, achieving the rank of sergeant.

It was claimed he was reliving years of bullying from his military days when he launched his racist tirade on August 2 last year.

White, of Earl Street, Hastings, taunted black musician Richard Rhoden in front of a crowd of 100 which had gathered to listen to the guitarist.

Police were called to see White chased off by a lynch mob and had to intervene as he was assaulted by youths.

Mrs Guy-Davies, defending, said while in the Army her client had suffered years of racial abuse.

She said: "Because of the prolonged and sustained racial bullying he became psychologically disturbed and left.

"But he could appreciate what he was saying would cause distress and apologises."