A TEENAGE habitual drinker has been jailed for 16 weeks after admitting a racially-aggravated attack on a taxi driver.

Peter Loftus (18), of Redbank Road, Radcliffe, was arrested on March 6 after a night of drinking in Bury town centre.

Loftus appeared before Bury magistrates on Thursday of last week, where he was also accused of criminal damage and the breach of an ASBO. He had pleaded guilty to all charges at an earlier appearance.

The court heard how Loftus was seen coming out of Sol Viva nightclub in Rochdale Road by police officers who were in a car parked nearby. He was then seen to approach a taxi and punch the driver, Mr Khalid Mahmood, in the face.

Police heard him shout "Get back to Baghdad" before Loftus spat at him.

The police went over and Loftus ran along The Rock but was caught outside the Natwest Bank where he was arrested and cautioned.

Loftus was placed in the rear of the police car, but kicked the door so hard that he bent the frame. The officers removed him from the vehicle but he swore at them and as he struggled and kicked, he smashed the cars rear side lights.

Miss Sally Pennie, prosecuting, said: "As the officers made their checks, they realised that Loftus was also subject to an ASBO, of which he was in breach."

The court heard how Loftus would use his wage from Pennine Construction to buy alcohol.

Mr Roger Taylor, defending, said: "Drinking to excess is the reason why he has got himself into so many difficulties."

Bury Magistrates sentenced Loftus to 16 weeks in custody for the racially aggravated attack on Mr Mahmood and for breaching the ASBO.

He was also sentenced to a further week in custody for the criminal damage, the sentences to run concurrently.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Inspector Simon Collier, from Bury Police, said: "This particular incident was not reported to the police, but was witnessed by Police Constable James Podevyn who was on routine patrol.

"This is an example of Greater Manchester Police being committed to delivering our service fairly and with integrity.

"Our communities will not tolerate racism or any form of discrimination."