A passenger grabbed a taxi driver around the neck and hurled racist remarks at him, a court heard.

James Walker, 51, had been drinking with friends in the Lion and Lobster, Brighton, and ordered the cab to Whitehawk with two other friends.

Hove Crown Court heard Walker stayed in the taxi after his companions paid the fare and got out. John Marsden-Lynch, prosecuting, said taxi driver Samer Yousif was attacked after he stopped to let Walker out.

Walker held Mr Yousif's throat from the back seat.

When asked why he was doing it, Walker replied: "Because you're black" and added: "You're not supposed to be in Whitehawk."

Walker, a self-employed roofer, admitted racially aggravated assault and was sentenced to 150 hours' community service and ordered to pay £75 compensation and £400 costs.