A Headcorn man has been jailed for three months after he racially abused a cricket player and tried to fight a teammate.

Mark Conroy, of Lenham Road, turned up to Headcorn Cricket Club drunk on Saturday and insisted upon being allowed to play.

The 36-year-old, who is not a member of the club, then hurled abuse at a Headcorn player who was warming up.

Committee member Alan Abbott confronted Conroy and escorted him off the premises at about 1.30pm.

Conroy removed his T-shirt, adopted a "boxing stance" and yelled racist abuse at Mr Abbott.

Prison officer Mr Abbott said: "He was totally drunk and abusive to me and one of our players, who is Indian.

"There is never any excuse for racist behaviour and the courts quite rightly take a dim view of anyone who uses such deeply unpleasant language..." - Sgt Rachael Cumberland

"He turned up with one other friend, who was also drunk. This is the third time they've appeared and every time they have been drunk.

"This particular time they were worse than ever. I told him he couldn't play because we are not insured to allow drunk people to play.

"He wanted to fight me and that's when I called the police."

Shortly after the verbal attack, Conroy was arrested.

He appeared at Maidstone Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence.

Sgt Rachael Cumberland said: "There is never any excuse for racist behaviour and the courts quite rightly take a dim view of anyone who uses such deeply unpleasant language.

"I am pleased that nobody else will be subjected to abuse from Mark Conroy while he spends time in prison reflecting on his unacceptable behaviour."