A TEENAGER who tormented an Asian schoolgirl made her feel unsafe even walking down the street.

Burnley Crown Court heard Adam Taylor, 19, who had earlier spat in the 13-year-old's mother's face, left his victim worried about showing her culture.

Taylor was given six months to keep out of trouble and was told by a judge "nothing nasty," would happen to him then.

Judge Raymond Bennett told the defendant there had to be no more "racial aggravation," and if he offended in the meantime, prison awaited.

Taylor, of Cardwell Street, Padiham, admitted intimidation and had sentence deferred until March 5.

John Horgan, prosecuting, told the court there had been an earlier incident between the defendant and the girl and her mother.

Both women gave a statement to police and Taylor was arrested and charged.

In January this year, the 13-year-old was walking down Shakespeare Street in Padiham and Taylor was with a gang of five or six youths who were drinking and being loud.

The 13-year-old was immediately scared, her mother held her hand and Taylor approached them and asked: "Hello, what are you going to do ? Run to the police?" Mother and daughter carried on walking to a friend's house nearby.

Mr Horgan said the schoolgirl now felt nervous if she saw a man who looked like the defendant.

The girl's mother thought what had happened was sad as she had suffered racism where she lived when she was younger and felt she could not step out of her door in safety.

The prosecutor said Taylor denied the allegations.

Tim Ashmole, defending, said at the beginning of the year Taylor had been put on a lengthy curfew order and his mother reported that since then he had been a changed person. He had kept out of trouble, was actively seeking work and had a stable address. Mr Ashmole urged the court to make a community rehabilitation order, but added if the defendant had to go to custody, it would be his first time.