A WORCESTER woman given community service for shouting racist abuse at an Asian policeman has appeared in court again - because magistrates gave her the wrong sentence.

Teresa Martin was brought back before Droitwich magistrates yesterday for the crime she committed in August 2000.

The 33-year-old had been told to complete 160 hours' community service for telling PC Mani Sidhu to "stay in your own country".

Almost a year after she was sentenced, the authorities reported Martin - already carrying out community service for other offences - for failing to do the new hours.

Only when this was investigated did the blunder come to light. The court was forced to admit the sentence was invalid and last month re-opened her case.

Yesterday's bench apologised for the blunder, and gave the 33-year-old a six-month conditional discharge instead.

Kiernan Cunningham, prosecuting, told the court police officers had gone to Martin's address in Rodborough Close, Warndon, at 8am on August 24, 2000 to carry out an arrest.

"They were greeted by the defendant," he said.

"She was very volatile and was warned about her behaviour."

Once dressed and inside the police van, she continued her abuse, he said.

"She said 'people should stay in their own country' and PC Sidhu deemed this to be an abusive and racist comment," Mr Cunningham added.

Richard Wilkes, defending, said Martin had always denied making the comment, but had been convicted at a trial.

He called the mum-of-five the lynchpin of her family, and said feelings were running high after police forced their way into the house at such an early hour.

"She should never have been given community service," he said.