A RACIST who armed himself with a cricket bat has been jailed.

Eugene Day, 46, of no fixed abode, racially abused a Polish man in his 20s in Swindon town centre last month. When the man ignored Day, he had a beer can thrown at his head.

The victim’s father pushed Day away from his son. But the homeless man returned within five minutes carrying a cricket bat.

Police were able to identify Day from a photograph taken by a witness. When they picked up Day later that afternoon he was found with the cricket bat. He was arrested and taken to Gablecross police station.

Day appeared before Swindon magistrates on Friday. He pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault and a section 4 public order offence.

Magistrates sentenced him to 26 weeks in prison. He must also pay a £115 victim surcharge and £100 compensation.

Reacting to the sentence, PC Jonathan Kilburn said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack and Day’s actions were completely unacceptable. Despite the victim’s father defending his son and pushing Day away, he later returned to the scene with a cricket bat causing the victim and his friends and family to feel threatened and frightened.

“He is now serving a prison sentence. I hope this sends a clear message that behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated – it can cause fear, upset and distress to people within our communities.

“We’d like to reassure the local community that we will take action following any reports of hate crimes – do not suffer in silence. Call police on 101 or report it via the True Vision website www.report-it.org.uk. Call 999 if a crime is in progress.”