A RACIST could be jailed for up to five years if he returns to the supermarket where he racially abused staff on two separate occasions.

Staff at Costcutters on Bramham Road, Acomb, had already barred Gary Mulgrew from entering the supermarket because of his aggressive behaviour there in the past, Cathy Turnbull, prosecuting, told York magistrates.

But on January 17, at 7pm, he went into the store and told staff member Mohammed Sarwar he shouldn't be in the country and insulted him racially and on February 9, at 2.20pm, he used racial and non-racial abuse towards Nadeem Ashraf in the supermarket's car park as the staff member was unloading stores from a car.

Both staff felt threatened and feared for their safety by Mulgrew's behaviour.

Magistrates made a five-year restraining order banning him from going into the supermarket, onto the paving outside it or into its car or use the footpath alongside it. The order also prohibits him from contacting either of the two victims by any means or through a third person, for five years.

If he breaks it, he could be jailed for up to five years.

Mulgrew, 29, of Chapelfields Road, Acomb, denied two charges of racial abuse but was convicted at trial. He admitted two linked public order offences.

In addition to the restraining order, magistrates made a 12-month community order including a nine-month alcohol treatment programme, and 20 days' rehabilitative activity on how to control his temper and making him more aware of the effect of his crimes on victims. He must pay £600 prosecution costs and a £60 statutory surcharge. He lives on benefits.

For Mulgrew, Richard Minion said the offences were committed when he was in drink. He had a major alcohol problem and used to drink 15 litres a day. He had now reduced that to five or six litres a day. He did not need to go to the shop.

The store lies between Bramham Road and Sanderson Court in Chapelfields.