A YOUTH who shouted racial abuse to Anti Nazi League protesters on Burnley town hall steps was conditionally discharged for 12 months by magistrates - who told him to keep his comments to himself in future.

The Burnley bench had heard how labourer Matthew Selman, 18, leaned out of car window and shouted he hated Asians, causing a group of 'shocked' protesters to become agitated.

He then went round the block and did it again, but said he was disgusted when arrested, claimed all he said was Bin Laden and he was just having a bit of a banter.

Selman, of Park Avenue, Barrowford, whose solicitor said he still didn't know why he was in court, admitted racially aggravated threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and must also pay £55 costs.

After the defendant drove past and shouted abuse a second time they circulated his vehicle as wanted and Selman was stopped a few minutes later on Active Way, Burnley.

Peter Reynolds, defending, said the demonstration had been noisy.

Selman claimed his remarks were a "jokey response" and he was just "having a bit of a crack" with the protesters. He had been described as Nazi scum because of his appearance.

Selman saw there was shouting going on and simply contributed to it with White Power and Down With Bin Laden.

Mr Reynolds said the defendant had not driven round a second time intentionally to go back to the town hall. He and his friends were "looking for some girls".

Selman, who had no previous convictions, still did not know why he was in court.

He had Asian friends and there was no reason for him to have any racial hatred.

He had now learned his lesson and would not be taking part in such banter again.