A man has pleaded guilty to screaming racist comments at his Italian neighbours.

John Hall, 42, started playing loud music and shouting abuse at Phil and Carol Guarriello from his basement flat in Gladstone Place, Brighton.

Mrs Guarriello was disturbed by the noise while working in the office at her home at 5pm on December 10, Brighton Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

Peter Zinner, prosecuting, said Hall shouted: "I'm proud to be British. My mum and dad fought in the Second World War and why? So f***ing Italians can come and take over?

"Why don't you come out Phil and open your curtains? Open your f***ing curtains or I'll smash your windows."

Mrs Guarriello heard a crashing noise downstairs.

Mr Zinner said: "Some garden furniture belonging to Mr Hall had been thrown over the fence and into the garden."

Police arrived and Hall was arrested.

Hall admitted using insulting behaviour that was racially motivated. His case was adjourned to September 3.