A MARKET worker threatened to "teach a boy a lesson" after a confrontation in Worcester city centre.

A wheelie bin pushed by Kelly Hewitt knocked into the side of a 16-year-old walking from the CrownGate bus station towards McDonald's with two friends.

"They saw a man pushing a wheelie bin towards them," said Suzanne Llewellyn, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court.

"It went into the right shoulder of the boy. He said that it hurt and the man walked towards him aggressively asking him to repeat what he said.

"But he then turned away."

The youths went into the burger restaurant, but other diners suggested he go out and apologise when Hewitt walked past.

"The boy said he went to speak to him but Hewitt was still angry," said Miss Llewellyn. "He said 'I'll teach you to be sorry, I'll kill you' and reached into his pocket."

The boy ran off, fearing he would be hurt. Police were called. They had received reports that a man was running amok with a knife.

"Hewitt appeared to be aggressive," said Miss Llewellyn. "He was searched and found to have a knife. He said 'have it you white bastard'."

Hewitt, of Bridge Street, Worcester, admitted racially aggravated threatening behaviour and threatening violence.

He was also in breach of a 12-month conditional discharge imposed last year for battery.

"My client has ongoing difficulties living as a coloured gentleman on his own in Worcester," said Barry Newton, defending.

"He resists more often than not what has been regular racial abuse."

Magistrates adjourned the hearing for pre-sentence reports until Friday, July 26.