AN 18-YEAR-old pleaded guilty to using racially aggravated words against a staff member who worked at a late night takeaway in Leominster.

Jamie Lock of Portna Way, Leominster pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence and a separate public order offence.

Herefordshire Magistrates Court heard that on September 18 Lock was in Hot Flames in West Street, Leominster.

Chris Coughlan, prosecuting, said Lock started using racially offensive words and swear words towards a member of staff, who was a Turkish national.

The staff were upset by his behaviour and called the police.

The court heard Lock was given a nine month conditional discharge on April 12 for a section 5 public order offence, and he admitted he had breached this.

Philip Cornell, mitigating, said it was a misunderstanding. He said: "He had a bit to drink. He is not a racist. He comes from a very respectable farming family."

He said Lock had asked for some salt and had been told it would cost him £5.75. Mr Cornell said Lock then went outside but came in and gave the staff 'a mouthful.' He said the owner of the shop then shouted at Lock.

Magistrates fined Lock £120 for the racially aggravated offence and gave him no separate penalty for the other public offence. They fined him £60 for breaching the conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £135 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.