A DRUNKEN former serviceman racially abused a taxi driver after a Christmas party, a court heard yesterday.

Burnley Magistrates heard that former soldier Jonathan Harvey, 36, had too much to drink at a friend's works party earlier that night.

Jobless Harvey, of Reynolds Street, Burnley, admitted racially aggravated threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and possessing cannabis.

He was fined £150, but the bench, who made no order for costs, allowed two conditional discharges to run.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, told the court in the early hours police saw the defendant jumping up and down in front of a parked taxi.

He was aggressive, screaming and shouting and was warned to go home.

Harvey continued his behaviour and was arrested.

When he was searched at the police station, officers found cannabis on him.

Geoff Ireland, defending, said Harvey could not remember coming out with the language described.

The defendant had far too much to drink that night and fell out with the taxi driver because he wanted paying up front.

Harvey was anxious to go home and' lost it'.

He added that Harvey, who had served with the Army in the Gulf, Northern Ireland and Bosnia, did not consider himself to be a racist.