A JUDGE who dubbed a man an arrogant thug jailed him for 18 months for what he described as a nasty and vicious attack on an innocent takeaway worker.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Steven Clarke, 24, who had earlier vandalised victim Khalid Mehmood's car, racially abused him, threatened to kill him and then kicked about his face and body.

Mr Mehmood, who is a diabetic, has previously had heart by-pass surgery and has also suffered a stroke, was left with headaches, a loose tooth, dizziness and amnesia after he was set upon and months later was afraid to go out alone.

Sentencing Clarke, whose barrister had said his arrogance was thought to be a front, Recorder Hedworth said assault was "thuggish," and went on: "Society would be best served by the public at large knowing if you pick on somebody and give them a beating because of the colour of their skin, to prison immediately you must go."

Clarke, of Hayhurst Road, Clitheroe, had earlier admitted racially aggravated assault causing actual bodily harm, in March.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said Mr Mehmood, 39, was stopped at a roundabout on a delivery, when he saw the defendant who shouted he would kill him.

Mr Mehmood wound his window down, asked him why he had said that and Clarke came out with some more similar words. The victim was about to drive off when Clarke punched him several times through the window, dragged Mr Mehmood out of the car on to the ground and kicked him.

Dazed, Mr Mehmood, got back in his car after Clarke walked away and a friend, who had seen what happened, alerted the police. The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance. Philip Andrews, defending, said the case was perhaps one of those where least said soonest mended.

Clarke's behaviour had been disgraceful and quite unforgivable and he expressed some regret and remorse. He felt "rather shabby," about his conduct and recognised it had been "bang out of order."