A drunken racist threw a wine bottle across a store and racially abused a shop worker before slapping him round the face.

Dave O'Connell walked into the Co-op in Loose Road, Maidstone, picked up a bottle and walked out without paying.

Despite a customer and shop employee, Ashrafullah Khan, trying to stop him, he managed to leave the premises.

However, just outside Mr Khan was able to grab the bottle back, prompting O'Connell to storm inside.

The yob then picked up another bottle and started downing its contents.

When Mr Khan again tried to get take it from him, the 34-year-old threw it across the store while customers looked on.

As the worker tried to usher the bystanders to safety, O'Connell shouted at him, slapped across the face and called him a P***.

The thug, of Meadow Bank Road, Chatham, was arrested and charged with several offences.

He appeared before Maidstone magistrates on Monday where he admitted shoplifting, threatening behaviour and racially aggravated common assault.

A charge of assault by beating was withdrawn while O'Connell was in the dock and magistrates were told the incidents happened on November 25 and the wine he took cost £12.

Julia French, prosecuting, said: "He has 29 convictions for 55 offences including 10 (of these) against a person and seven others for public disorder.

"The last time he was in court was 2020 for a wounding offence and he was given 32-months custody."

Magistrates were also told Mr Khan suffered redness to his face, but no serious injury during the incident.

The bench also heard O'Connell was apologetic during police interview and has metal health issues, ADHD and a borderline personality disorder.

There is also a drink problem he wanted help for because he's so alcohol dependant.

Magistrates jailed him for 60 days for the assault and threatening behaviour offences but suspended the term for 12 months.

He was also ordered to complete a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement and attend 25 rehabilitation sessions with probation.

O'Connell was also fined £105 for the theft offence and was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Khan and £114 victim surcharge and £85 costs.