A CUSTOMER racially abused a takeaway owner on a night-out, telling him to "go back to your own country", a court was told.

Lee Alty, of Maple Avenue, Ulverston, launched a tirade of abuse against Okkes Ozmicco at the Flames Pizzeria in New Market Street on September 19.

The 44-year-old shouted abuse at staff and used a racist slur against Pakistani people following a row over a kebab order.

Alty pleaded guilty to causing racially aggravated distress at Furness Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. 

In court, Mr Peter Kelly, prosecuting, read aloud a statement Mr Ozmicco gave to the police about the incident at the time.

It said: "The male entered the shop. It was the first time I had ever seen him in my shop.

"He shouted 'go back to your own country'. 

"We told him to leave. He did because I told him I was phoning the police."

Alty had been drinking in Ulverston town centre in the evening and had stopped off at The Sun Inn for two pints prior to the incident.

The altercation in the pizzeria lasted around two minutes.

Mr Kelly said: "He said he couldn't recall any such behaviour and he said he could not understand himself being racist."

Magistrates granted Mr Ozmicco's request for a restraining order to be enforced, preventing Alty from entering the takeaway for six months.

They also fined Alty £140 and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £20.

Mr Trystan Roberts, in mitigation, said: "Mr Alty is very remorseful about having to be here. He's very disappointed with himself.

"He knows people from different ethnic backgrounds. He bitterly regrets having said this.

"There may have been a disagreement over a kebab which may have prompted what happened."

During sentencing, Mr Chris Harris, chair of magistrates, said: "Racial abuse is unpleasant and unlawful.

"I hear that you are remorseful and that you have learnt that lesson.

"I hope that's the case."