A MAN has avoided jailed despite hurling racist abuse at someone and attacking a police officer.

Peter Owen, of Lambert Way, Hartford, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on January 15 for sentencing on two charges.

The 36-year-old was charged with racially aggravated harassment towards a man and assault of an emergency worker.

Both offences took place on the October 22 last year, with the former occurring in Northwich and the latter in Middlewich.

Owen had pleaded guilty to both offences at a hearing on January 9.

Taking this into account, magistrates sentenced him to eight weeks in prison, but suspended the term for 12 months.

The court heard a custodial sentence was imposed due to the 'unprovoked and serious' nature of the attack, which was committed during the period of a community order.

Owen was also ordered to abstain from alcohol for 90 days and pay a total of £300 in compensation to his two victims.