AN Ipswich racist had a collection of Nazi paraphernalia at his home, a court heard.Mark Brunning was arrested after he shouted racist comments at Ahmad Azizi, pushed him in the face and snapped his mobile phone in half.

AN Ipswich racist had a collection of Nazi paraphernalia at his home, a court heard.

Mark Brunning was arrested after he shouted racist comments at Ahmad Azizi, pushed him in the face and snapped his mobile phone in half.

When police raided Brunning's Bramford Lane home they discovered a horde of Nazi related items including DVDs about Hitler, a large swastika flag on his wall and a yellow hard hat daubed in Nazi slogans.

Ipswich Crown Court heard that the 38-year-old, who pleaded guilty to racially aggravated common assault and racially aggravated criminal damage, had “little insight into the distress he caused Mr Azizi”.

John Kellett, prosecuting, said Mr Azizi had been sitting at a bus stop outside Ipswich railway station on August 9, 2005, when the attack happened.

He said a white transit van pulled up at the nearby traffic lights and passenger Brunning began shouting through the open window.

He said Brunning was racially abusive and used swear words towards Mr Azizi.

Mr Azizi “stuck two fingers up” at Brunning and swore back at him.

Mr Kellett said the van drove away but returned five minutes later and Brunning resumed his abusive behaviour but not in a racial manner.

Brunning then used both his hands to push Mr Azizi in the face, causing him to fall backwards. When Mr Azizi threatened to call the police Brunning grabbed the phone and broke it.

Mr Kellett said Brunning had a record for dishonesty and assault but nothing racially aggravated.

Richard Kelly mitigating said: “Mr Brunning doesn't see himself as having difficulty with these issues and his case is that he has a fascination with German militaria which is a healthy one.”

He said Brunning had been out of trouble with the police since this incident and that was partly due to his “stable relationship” with his girlfriend who is a mother and of good character.

Mr Recorder Martyn Levett said to Brunning: “You have a racial attitude which will not be tolerated in modern Britain. It has left Mr Azizi feeling very afraid to go out of his house and to the train station in case he sees you again.”

Brunning was sentenced to four months in prison but the term was suspended for two years and he was placed on probation supervision during that time to address his “views and beliefs”.

He was ordered to pay Mr Azizi £100 compensation within eight weeks for the damaged telephone.