AN off-duty police officer was threatened by a drunken man demanding his phone after midnight in Bradford city centre, a court heard yesterday. 

He had just left Trafalgar House Police Station after completing his shift when Ibrar Hussain pursued him down Hall Ings, shouting and with fists clenched.

Hussain, 38, of no fixed address, went on to racially abuse officers arresting him after the victim flagged down a passing patrol car.

He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and racially aggravated harassment on August 19 last year.

Prosecutor Ayman Khokhar told Bradford Crown Court that the officer heard Hussain shouting and screaming near Bradford Interchange.

Hussain came over to him with a clenched fist, demanding his phone.

Even when told he was threatening a police officer, he continued to be aggressive and chased after him down Hall Ings, Mr Khokhar said.

Officers got out of the patrol car, pursued Hussain and apprehended him near Bridge Street.

He was shouting and swearing and hurling racist abuse.

When questioned by the police, he was confused and said he was sorry.

Hussain had ten previous convictions for 18 offences, including three for harassment.

Ken Green said in mitigation that he suffered from depression and had a problem with alcohol.

“He is crying out for help rather than punishment,” he told the court.

Hussain had expressed regret and remorse for his behaviour that night and had little recollection of what he had done.

Deputy Circuit Judge Peter Armstrong sentenced Hussain to nine months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a six-month Alcohol Treatment Programme and 60 hours of unpaid work.

He said Hussain had spent three months in prison on remand before being released on a two-month qualifying curfew, the equivalent of serving an eight-month prison sentence.