A FATHER has avoided jail after racially abusing a taxi driver and damaging a cab.

Thomas Greatbatch, aged 23, turned on the driver when he was asked to pay a fare at the start of a journey.

Greatbatch, of Malham Road, Newcastle, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday after admitting racially aggravated criminal damage.

The court heard he was among a group that flagged down a Roseville Taxis cab in Hassell Street, Newcastle, in the early hours of May 1.

Phillip Beardwell, prosecuting, said: "The driver requested £10 payment up front, to which the defendant shouted racial abuse, punched the plastic screen between the group and the driver, and pulled at the screen causing it to crack.

"The driver sounded his horn to alert nearby police, at which the passengers started to get out.

"The defendant got out and punched the driver's side window."

A police officer then approached Greatbatch and he started to run off, but stopped a short distance away and was arrested.

Patrick Thompson, defending Greatbatch, said: "He bitterly regrets his behaviour that night.

"There's a very different side to the defendant. He suffers from a physical condition and is awaiting a serious operation.

"He has an 18-month old daughter and he has recently discovered she has the same condition.

"He works hard and supports his partner and his daughter.

The court heard Greatbatch was convicted in July 2006 for a racially aggravated assault on a taxi driver.

Judge Robert Trevor-Jones gave Greatbatch a six month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must complete an 18 month supervision order and do 120 hours' unpaid work.

Greatbatch was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to the driver, and £1,200 court costs.