A SOUTH Lakeland kitchen porter has been sentenced by a judge following a drunken "racist" rant aimed at a man he had considered a friend.

Steven Livingston’s tirade of abuse came after he had been asked to leave his job and accommodation at the Wheatsheaf Inn in Brigsteer, near Kendal.

Having consumed £140 worth of alcohol, 51-year-old Livingston delivered an abusive verbal volley at friend and colleague Nichol Crow on August 6.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Mr Crow was called a "maggot white boy" and "dirty white pig". When police arrived, Livingston’s aggression continued and he stated: "I have been a loudmouth, I will give you that. I am a black man. You are all scum."

Mr Crow considered the comments "racist", the court heard. While the words "didn’t bother him", he felt there was "no need for them".

Livingston was said to be "ashamed" of his conduct having acted "appallingly". In court today he admitted a charge of racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

After hearing mitigation, Recorder Philip Curran suspended a seven-month prison sentence for 18 months.

Livingston, of Well Ings, Kendal, must complete a 25-day rehabilitation requirement, and pay £200 costs. He was said to have since found new employment as a chef.