A MAN aged 26 who caused racist trouble to taxi drivers when drunk was given 80 hours community punishment.

Burnley Magistrates revoked a 12 month community rehabilitation order earlier imposed after the rumpus and gave Shaun Steven Lockwood the new sentence in its place.

Lockwood, whose address was given as care of Birtwistle Avenue, Colne, admitted three counts of failing to comply with a community rehabilitation order.

They imposed after he was convicted of racially aggravated damage and threatening behaviour.

Glen Smith, defending, told the court Lockwood's actions had been motivated by drink.

It was loutish, boorish behaviour and he had not been involved in anything like it before.

One of the victims of the offences had told the defendant he was a good man but "could be a pain" when he had had a drink.

Lockwood had thought he was being "ripped off," over a cab fare and everything got out of proportion.

Mr Smith added it was now two and a half years since the offences. Lockwood's life had still not been easy but he had lost contact with the probation office.

He had proved he could stay out of trouble.