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A self-proclaimed wizard has been jailed for a year for racially abusing and threatening his Muslim neighbour.

George Vernon, 67, flew into a rage when Farman Farah played music and invited a friend to his flat to celebrate the Ramadan festival, Bristol crown court heard.

Drunken Vernon - who once called himself Mystic Merlin - turned his own speakers against an adjoining wall and grabbed a hammer and knife. He then confronted Mr Farah and made “unpleasant racially aggressive” threats to kill him.

(Image: SWNS)

He was found guilty of making a threat to kill, causing racially aggravated fear of violence and racially aggravated criminal damage last July in St Paul’s Bristol.

Judge Michael Roach told Vernon, who had 12 convictions: “Your behaviour­ was determined, ugly, thoroughly­ unpleasant.”

The court heard Vernon led a “reclusive” life focusing on art and writing kids’ books.

(Image: BBC)

He also campaigned for a Hollywood-style walk of fame to be installed on a one-mile stretch in Bristol, in 2010.

Neil Treharne, defending, said Vernon had avoided alcohol for 25 years and not been in trouble for 30 years but alcohol contributed to his latest offences.

(Image: PA)

He told the court: “He accepts he has very little memory about events that night, other than he cannot believe he conducted himself in such a way.

“He has promised that he will not touch alcohol ever again.

“He understands that he had conflict with a neighbour and he didn’t deal with it well.”