A 20 YEAR-OLD woman who racially-abused a cabbie has paid the price with her good character and her career.

Burnley Magistrates heard that Laura Semmens could no longer study on her child care college course.

And her career prospects had gone out of the window as a result.

Semmens, of Green Street, Burnley, said to have spent £70 on drink on a girls' night out, admitted racially aggravated threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

She was given a 12 months conditional discharge with £75 costs.

Mark Williams, defending, said Semmens admitted her responsibility from the outset.

She had been extremely drunk and had argued with her boyfriend.