A man who was asked to leave a shop racially abused the owner, threatening to cut his throat.
South Tyneside magistrates were told that because of a previous incident Darren Austin was asked to leave Food Plus in Finkle Road, Hebburn.
As he left, he started to shout and swear at owner Mohammed Naveed, said Lee Poppett, prosecuting.
Outside he hurled a torrent of abusive and racist comments at the owner, and made remarks about his wife.
At one stage, he shouted: "I'll cut your throat."
When Austin was arrested he admitted he'd been to the shop, but denied making racist remarks.
Laura Johnson, defending, said Austin had been drinking before the September 23 incident.
"He admits using those words to the shopkeeper. He had been taking medication for paranoia and depression, and believes this is what led to him making the remarks and act in that way.
"He is very embarrassed and apologises for his behaviour."
Austin, 37, of Oxford Crescent, Hebburn, admitted using racially offensive remarks with intent to cause alarm.
He was given a nine-month community order with probation supervision, and ordered to spend 30 days on a basic skills course. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs.
Jarrow and Hebburn Gazzette
