A MAN was arrested after racially abusing a gang of youths -- despite claims they threatened to rape his wife, a court was told.

Magistrates heard drunken Graham Foster, 45, was the only person picked up by police after the trouble in Nelson.

His wife, whose handbag was taken, had to go to hospital, was petrified and had not slept since the incident.

Foster was celebrating after winning a football bet but the night ended on a sour note, Burnley magistrates were told.

The defendant, of Cobden Street, Nelson, admitted using racially-aggravated threats, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on October 23. He was fined £150, with £50 costs.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, said police were called to the Lord Nelson pub, where a row was going on outside. The officers tried to separate the two groups.

Foster was shouting racist insults and was warned to stop. He was then arrested. Foster had 58 previous convictions.

John Rusius, defending, said Foster's wife, a barmaid at the Lord Nelson, had been verbally assaulted and called a white bitch. She used the pub's community radio to contact police and her handbag went missing.

Her husband reciprocated, to a lesser degree, with racist remarks. Mrs Foster made inquiries about her handbag, was again abused and one of the group tried to grab the radio, hurting her wrist.

Mr Rusius said Mrs Foster was threatened with rape. She had to go to hospital after a panic attack and was shocked and bruised.

He went on: "She has not slept since as the people who took her bag have her personal details. She has had to have time off work."

The solicitor added police spoke to one of the youths but only the defendant was arrested.