A drunk who tried to punch a Margate priest while racially abusing his wife has now repented, a court has heard.

Judd Osbourne, 43, launched his tirade at the Rev John Taylor as he was with his wife and child in Margate.

A week later he tried to rob the same clergyman in the town’s High Street while Mr Taylor was collecting for charity.

But now a judge has heard Osbourne, of Union Crescent, admit his guilt and is remorseful, but it didn’t prevent him being sent to prison for three years.

Prosecutor Paul Valder told Canterbury Crown Court that Mr Taylor’s wife is a black African and the couple were out in Margate with their child in August last year.

He said: “It was about 11.30am and Mr Taylor was taking the pram out of the car when he was approached by the drunken Osbourne.

“The defendant, who was with another man, then took a swing at him which didn’t connect and Mr Taylor and his family walked away towards a restaurant.”

It was then Osbourne, who has a 170-offence criminal record, launched a vile stream of racist abuse aimed at the clergyman’s shocked wife.

Mr Valder said while they were inside the restaurant Osbourne continued shouting, which left Mr Taylor feeling sick

The prosecutor said, although the priest reported the incident to police he didn’t want it recorded as a crime.

However a week later, on August 23, as Mr Taylor was collecting for charity in Margate High Street, dressed again in his dog collar.

At 2pm Osbourne approached him demanding money because he was hungry, but the priest apologised saying he didn’t have any cash.

“The defendant, holding a can of lager in one hand, then told him ‘I’m going to carve you up’ and the reverend saw he had something in his other hand but couldn’t be sure what it was.

“He assumed he was going to be cut if he didn’t hand over money. Osbourne then told him: ‘I’ve got a Stanley knife’ and the reverend was scared he was going to lunge at him.

“Members of the public then intervened and the defendant walked away,” added the prosecutor.

Osbourne was later arrested and denied carrying out the attack.

Kerry Waite, defending, said: “The defendant has had great difficulties in coming to terms with this.

“He has gone from complete disbelief, through incredulity to acceptance that he behaved in the manner alleged.”

He said Osbourne said his behaviour wasn’t only because of drink but also because he was on strong painkillers caused by being attacked in May last year and a later incident when he fell over a sea wall and fractured his cheekbone.

Mr Waite added: “He now feels great shame about his behaviour and is remorseful.”

Osbourne was jailed for three years after admitting attempted robbery, common assault and racially aggravated harassment.

Father John Taylor spoke to KentOnline's sister paper the Thanet Extra about his ordeal which took place in August last year, during the couple’s first outing after the birth of their son Leonardo.

Mr Taylor said: “I’m pleased he’s been sentenced but it’s not one of those things you expect to happen in today’s world.

“He threatened to carve me up and kill me He had a knife in his hand.

“It was the first time my wife Trisha had left the house after having our baby and he swore at her and racially abused her.

The 51-year-old priest said that Mrs Taylor, 32, was now worried for their safety.

He said: “She lived in London previously and had never experienced anything like this before. It has put us off going out.

“Since this happened Trisha is always worried about me, she’ll wake up in the night to check I’m still there.

“When she takes our son out now she is very jumpy if someone bumps into her.

“I’m become used to people threatening me because of my job, it’s just words, but to do it to a woman is much worse.

“I hope he learns while he’s inside not to be so disrespectful of others.

“We have considered moving away, Trisha has even been looking at jobs in Australia.

“I love Margate and I think the people here are fantastic but after that experience I feel like I want a fresh break.”