An Easton man who told a woman police officer he would hunt her down and bite out her throat like Hannibal Lecter walked free from court.

David Scadding, 42, made the comments and then spat at the police officer from his cell in Southmead, after being arrested on September 7, for racially aggravated harassment.

Scadding, of Stapleton Road, pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates' Court to assaulting the police officer, and was given a community order for 12 months yesterday.

He also pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive language which was racially aggravated towards doorman Piotr Kurgman in Park Street on the same date.

The court heard how Scadding had drank two bottles of wine while on medication for sleeplessness, diabetes, and anxiety, before carrying out the offences.

It was about 10.15pm when the doorman of Antix bar on Park Street observed Scadding shouting racial abuse at people in the street.

When he got to the doorway of Antix, he asked doorman Kurgman if he was English, and when he said he wasn't, Scadding, who has 19 previous convictions, told him to go back to his own country.

The police attended and he was arrested when he was verbally aggressive and abusive to officers.

He was taken to a cell and placed under constant supervision by a police officer, and said to her: "I am Hannibal Lecter. I am going to hunt you down and then I am going to bite out your throat."

He then spat at the police officer.

Scadding's solicitor, Anne Pitman, said yesterday: "He maintains he is not racist and this was out of character for him. He doesn't remember much about this incident.

"He is very ashamed and remorseful for this. He committed this offence while subject to a community order."

The court heard that Scadding, who is on income support, is getting help for his drinking and anger management from the probation service.

Magistrate Ian Abrahams said: "We are satisfied your offending is serious enough for a community order for a period of 12 months. We are giving you a last chance. We don't want to see you here again."

Scadding was also ordered to pay compensation to the doorman and police officer of £100 each.