A DRUNK Carlisle taxi passenger who verbally abused and threatened his Turkish driver made racist comments to the police officer who arrested him.

But when asked bluntly whether he was a racist, Ewan Parry, 26, denied it.

At the city's Rickergate Magistrates' Court, the defendant repeated that claim after entering guilty pleas to four offences: causing criminal damage to his victim's taxi, possessing cocaine, common assault, and racially aggravated threatening behaviour.

Prosecutor Peter Kelly said the defendant committed the offences on Saturday, February 16, in Carlisle.

The lawyer said victim Erkan Colak, who has lived and worked in Carlisle for 12 years, picked up the defendant at 9pm from the Hilltop Hotel off London Road, where the driver quickly realised Parry was drunk.

As he opened the taxi door, the defendant smashed a bottle on the hotel steps.

He got into the front passenger seat, saying he needed to charge his mobile phone.

"He said he had money to pay but because he was so intoxicated I asked to see his money to ensure he was able to pay," said Mr Colak in a statement.

Parry asked to go to Cumwhinton Road but wanted first to go to a cash machine and the Museum pub on the other side of the city, said Mr Kelly.

During the journey, the driver asked Parry not to open the can of lager he had but he opened it anyway, dropping it, and spilling the drink.

In response, the driver pulled over, and asked Parry to get out.

It was at this point that the defendant got out and began swearing at Mr Colak while clenching his fists, as if wanting to fight.

"I was fearful he was going to assault me," said the taxi driver, who flagged down a passing police car.

The victim was so upset he went home early - despite Saturday being his busiest day of the week, said Mr Kelly.

When Parry was questioned by police officers, he made repeated racist comments, being abusive about Turkish workers, though Mr Colak did not hear the comments.

"He was asked if he was racist," said Mrs Ward.

"He said no, and that he worked with people from different ethnic backgrounds.

Parry said he had just been angry and drunk.

In court, the defendant repeated that claim, saying: "It was just totally through drink. I'm not a racist. I work with people from European companies. It was totally through drink and I apologise."

The presiding magistrate told Parry: "It was all brought about by drink. It would be a particularly nasty offence for anybody."

Magistrates fined Parry £675, and ordered that he pay £100 compensation to his victim for the assault, and £35 for the criminal damage. He must also pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £67.

"You can't keep doing this," added the magistrate.