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A driver has been sentenced for racial abuse after calling a traffic warden 'English' during a dispute over a parking fine.

Iranian-born Mohammed Akhlaghi reacted angrily after being handed the fine by Robert St Paul in Hull, East Yorkshire, last summer.

The 35-year-old, who moved to the UK in 2009, swore at the warden and used the word 'English', a court heard.

He also pushed the victim in the back during the exchange on August 6 last year.

Now, Akhlaghi has been sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid community work after pleading guilty to the offence last month.

He has also been ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £60.

(Image: PA)

During his sentencing, Hull Magistrates' Court heard how Akhlaghi had been a victim of racial abuse himself from others in the past after moving to Britain seven years ago.

Despite his guilty plea, the defendant, from Hessle Road in Hull, argued that the incident with Mr St Paul had not been racially aggravated.

He also claimed that he had not been fully aware of proceedings due to his limited level of English and lack of legal representation.

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Akhlaghi's duty solicitor applied for the case to be reopened, but this was rejected by District Judge Frederick Rutherford.

John Seagrave, defending, told the court: "He is 35, he came from Iran in 2009 and has no record whatsoever. He did express remorse in interview.

"Unfortunately, he has been the recipient of racial abuse himself.

"Being involved in this case has assisted him, as he has been put on the right track.

"He hopes to start work at his cousin's takeaway soon."

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Sentencing Akhlaghi, Judge Rutherford said: "You did attend on the last occasion before this court and you pleaded guilty.

"You were not represented but we did go through the matter in some detail.

"I know you take exception to what was said, but what I have accepted is that what you did was limited, but nonetheless racial.

"You have been subjected to racial abuse and you know how upsetting it is.

"You have reacted terribly to this particular man. It must not happen again."