A RACIST who was caught on CCTV cameras wielding a knife in Worcester's bus depot has escaped a jail sentence.

Gary Biddle was arrested after he was seen waving around a knife in Angel Place last month.

John Barnett, prosecuting at Droitwich Magistrates Court, said CCTV cameras showed Biddle threatening members of the public with the weapon.

When police officers arrived at the scene, he threw the knife away but it was later recovered.

Mr Barnett said Biddle became abusive towards his arresting officer, PC Simon Arinze, at the police station.

He said Biddle racially abused him, and said: "I've been to jail three times and I'll go again."

He said he later admitted he was a racist and believed that "all blacks should go back to their own country."

He also said he had been prepared to use the knife.

Biddle, aged 19, of Fitzwilliam Close, Dines Green, was given 75 hours' community service and was sentenced to a two-and-a-half year rehabilitation order for possessing an offensive weapon and affray.

He admitted the offences and the sentences will run concurrently.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the policeman he racially abused after being arrested, and had to pay £50 costs.

Dale Sheehan, defending, said Biddle's behaviour was inexcusable but suggested he needed help rather than imprisonment.

"His behaviour was fuelled by the amount of drink he had had, and he wasn't thinking the way he should have been."

He said he did not normally carry the knife, but claimed he needed it to get into his mother's caravan.

Mr Sheehan said his behaviour and beliefs were due to his upbringing.

He was one of 16 children, had been taught to fight rather than flee and had left school at an early age.

He suggested Biddle needed to go on an anger management course rather than go back to prison.

"He is quick to react and has a very short fuse," he said.

"He sees red very quickly."