A YOUNG father has escaped imprisonment after admitting to a racist attack.

Connor Stevens, 21, of Buckhurst Close, was charged with racially aggravated assault by beating following an incident in November 2007.

He appeared at Lewes Crown Court, sitting at Brighton, on Wednesday last week (April 1) and was sentenced to 150 hours unpaid work for the attack on neighbour Anton Sebamalai.

Stevens allegedly swung and shouted racist abuse at his neighbour following an exchange that resulted in curry powder being thrown in the defendant's eyes.

Judge Richard Hayward said: "Your neighbour was washing his car, when you and a friend of yours passed and there was an exchange between you.

"You moved to Anton's front door, where there was obviously a further exchange. His sister came to his aid, concerned of his safety and in course of the incident curry powder was thrown in your eye, whether it was accidental or not.

"You suffered immediate and extreme pain and during the course of that pain you shouted racist abuse and according to your interview, you took a swing at him but missed."

Prosecuting, Richard Sones said: "He threw out in excruciating pain and pointed out he'd had five or six pints of beer and was in a merry good mood, but only became angry when the powder was thrown into his eyes."

Defending, Andrew Selby said: "There was a provocative throwing of curry powder in a deliberate act and, in anger, he shouted.

"He has accepted guilt and has pleaded accordingly and he is to some extent a changed man."

Stevens, who has a history of assault and threatening behaviour, lives at home with his mother and has a daughter.

He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation and £500 contribution costs.