A SOLDIER who may be going to Afghanistan lost his temper and abused a taxi driver said to have tried to overcharge him.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Simon Mulderig, 26, who was under stress, was alleged to have put his arm around the man's neck.

Mulderig, of Brier Crescent, Nelson, admitted racially aggravated

threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. He was fined £250, with £50 costs.

Bill Berry, defending, said Mulderig had been out for the evening to a family party.

He had ordered a taxi by phone and was quoted a price of £7 for the journey.

When he got in the cab, the defendant was told the fair would be £10.

He was greatly incensed as he had been overcharged by another taxi driver earlier in the evening. He lost his temper and his behaviour was out of character.

Mr Berry said Mulderig's behaviour and language had been inexcusable.

He had had too much to drink and while that didn't excuse what happened, it was an explanation.

The defendant, a sapper in Nine Para Squadron, Royal Engineers, based at Aldershot, was on stand-by for service in Afghanistan.

That had been the situation for some time and had led to a certain amount of stress.

Mulderig, who had never been in court before, apologised for his actions.