A SELF-employed builder who admitted racially aggravated common assault and criminal damage on the day he was due to stand trial for the offences has been ordered to carry out unpaid work and pay compensation.

Robert Berry, 26, of Park Lane, Cowling, was returning home in a minicab following a night out in Skipton with a friend on February 10 last year.

Prosecuting Charles McCrae said as they reached their destination in Park Lane, the minicab driver Kashif Mahmood passed takeaway boxes, which the two friends had been eating from in the cab, through the window. They subsequently blew away in the wind and littered Berry’s front yard.

Mr McCrae said Berry, who was almost inside his home when this happened, approached Mr Mahmood and punched him in the neck through the window and tried to drag him out of the car, causing a minor cut below his ear and racially abused him.

Berry also punched the window panel causing damage and when the driver attempted to drive away he backed into an object. Mr Mahmood was quoted £1,106.27 for repairs but decided to sell the vehicle instead at a £700 loss.

Defending, David Leach said his client was remorseful of the incident which occurred after consuming alcohol on a rare day and night out with his friend.

Skipton magistrates today gave Berry a 12 month community order of 135 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay compensation to Mr Mahmood for the damage of £700, £100 for his injury, a surcharge of £85 and court costs of £160.