A SELF-confessed racist abused a black police officer after being caught with a knife in Worcester city centre.

Teenager Gary Biddle was accosted by officers after he had been caught on CCTV threatening a member of the public with the lock knife in the bus concourse, Droitwich Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

"He told officers he just used the knife to open his caravan, and said he didn't normally use it for any other purpose but he felt threatened by a group of youths in the concourse," said Mark Soper, prosecuting.

"After abusing the police officer, he said he was a racist and his whole family were racist."

The court was told how Biddle, aged 19, of Fitzwilliams Close, Dines Green, Worcester, had a lengthy criminal record, and had been sentenced for crimes including disorder and violence.

He had spent time in prison, and had only been released from custody in July.

"He admits he had the knife for the wrong reasons," said Andrew Faux, defending.

"He was extremely rude and discourteous to the black police officer, but he admitted he was a racist."

Biddle admitted possessing an offensive weapon, threatening violence, and using racially aggravated words or behaviour.

Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report and Biddle is next due in court on Friday, January 11, for sentencing