A TEENAGER racially abused a shopkeeper who refused to serve him cigarette papers. Jobless Christopher Fenton swore at the Asian owner of the Threshers off licence in Woodbridge before telling him to “go back to his own country”.

A TEENAGER racially abused a shopkeeper who refused to serve him cigarette papers.

Jobless Christopher Fenton swore at the Asian owner of the Threshers off licence in Woodbridge before telling him to “go back to his own country”.

Appearing at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court, Fenton, 19, pleaded guilty to a charge of racially aggravated harassment which related to an incident on March 26.

Gareth Davies, prosecuting, said Fenton, of St Mary's Close, Trimley St Mary, was a member of a group of young people who regularly gathered in Woodbridge and caused trouble in the town centre.

He said Fenton and another male entered the shop in The Thoroughfare despite being banned, and attempted to buy cigarette papers.

When the victim refused, Mr Davies said Fenton became obnoxious and began to argue and swear.

He said Fenton picked up a packet of peanuts and threw them at the victim.

Mr Davies said: “This shop is in an area where there is a lot of trouble from youths and the victim has suffered racial abuse on previous occasions.”

The court was told Fenton was given a community order for a similar offence in November last year.

Mark Holt, mitigating, admitted it was an unpleasant case in which his client had demonstrated “totally inappropriate behaviour”.

He added: “Unfortunately this is the second occasion he has resorted to this language.

“His problem is one of drink. He is typical of many young males in the Woodbridge area.”

He said Fenton's relationship with his mother and step father had broken down, and said he was living with friends.

Magistrates gave Fenton an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £50 compensation to the victim.