A racist thug punched a shop worker after calling him the 'n-word' and assaulted another employee who tried to break up the fight.

Sean Prendergast was in the JD Sports store in Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells when his behaviour started to cause concerns among staff.

It was thought the 38-year-old may have been drinking and he started to abuse one worker, calling him the 'n-word'.

The sales assistant took exception to the racial slur and an argument broke out between the pair which led to Prendergast punching him.

The JD Sports employee struck him back and a fight broke out in store in front of customers.

During the scuffle the thug also assaulted another worker inside the sportswear store who tried to break up the fracas.

Prendergast, of Orchard Lane, Southampton admitted racially aggravated common assault and assault by beating when he appeared at Margate Magistrates' Court earlier this month. February 2

The court heard the incidents happened on June 4 last year on a very busy Saturday with lots of customers in-store including families with children.

Dylan Bradshaw prosecuting said: "The defendant was in the JD Sport store and his behaviour would suggest he's been drinking as it was causing concern.

"An argument started and what he called the worker was abhorrent and after that he punched him.

"There is never justification for using that word."

Mr Bradshaw added: "He has relevant previous convictions including suspended sentences for battery."

The court also heard Prendergast had drug and alcohol issues but was now on a programme addressing these.

Magistrates decided to adjourn sentencing to allow an all options pre-sentencing report to be carried out on him.

He will be sentenced at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on April 27, and was banned from going to the JD Sport store.