SERVING soldier John Paul Waring shouted racist abuse at an Asian taxi driver outside a Blackburn nightclub.

Blackburn magistrates heard that he told police officers who heard his bigoted outburst that they could not 'do him' for having an opinion.

Waring, 24, of Hampden Court, Souham, Warwickshire, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in £100 to keep the peace for 12 months. A charge of using racially aggravated threatening behaviour was withdrawn.

Phillip Potter, prosecuting, said police officers heard Waring tell the private hire driver to get back to Pakistan. Police asked him what the problem was and he said: "They are taking over these Pakistanis and they should go back where they come from."

Waring was arrested after a struggle and after being charged told police: "I am voicing an opinion."

John Dewhurst, defending, said Waring's behaviour was completely out of character. His client had been on a family night out and when he left the club with his sister, had approached the taxi. The driver refused to take him to his destination because he was already booked.

"He regrets his behaviour and the disgrace he has brought on his profession," said Mr Dewhurst, who revealed that Waring is a lance corporal in the Royal Logistics Corps, who specialists in bomb disposal training.