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A Muslim mother whose niqab veil was ripped off by a racist thug in a hate-filled attack has pleaded for him to be spared prison.

And the victim, 39, begged post- Brexit Britain to “stop the hatred and chill”.

The compassionate mum-of-four called for Peter Scotter, 55, to walk free after hearing he has can­­cer.

He faces jail but his case was adjourned due to his ill health.

Scotter’s victim, who did not want to be named, said: “I did not realise the man had cancer. I don’t want him to go to prison.

(Image: Getty)

“I would like the judge to bear that in mind when he does sentence him.”

She added: “He did a bad thing in anger. I don’t know why he chose to do what he did to me. It hurt and frightened me, but I don’t seek any kind of revenge.

“I don’t want him to suffer. I would like him to be free to live the rest of his life in peace and tolerance.

“Perhaps that is something everyone who shows anger and resentment towards Muslim people could learn to do. Maybe everyone could stop the hatred and chill.”

The woman, who came to Sunderland from Bangladesh 30 years ago, was attacked at The Bridges centre in July, days after the EU referendum.

Scotter, who has 66 previous convictions, grabbed her niqab with such force he almost threw her to the ground.

(Image: PA)

A witness heard Scotter shout: “Here, take that f***** off. You are in our country now, you stupid f***ing Muslim.” He was also heard to say: “Live by our f****ing rules.”

The mum, whose nine-year-old son had been with her, said: “I don’t feel safe anymore when I go out.

“I don’t go into town as often as I did, but I have been racially abused since.”

The victim, who began wear­ing her niqab shortly before the attack, added: “It is my own choice. I accept other people’s choices and I hoped others would accept mine.”

Scotter, who has a tumour under his tongue that requires surgery, has admitted racially aggravated assault.

He is due to be sentenced on May 2 at New­­castle crown court. His past convictions include actual bodily harm and racially aggravated criminal damage.