A man who racially abused a neighbour said he could not remember it due to a neurological condition.

But Robert Hutchinson, of Woodhead Close, Sheepridge, pleaded guilty at Kirklees Magistrates Court to the offence which happened on the same street on April 28.

Hutchinson, 61, was said by prosecutor Bill Astin to have used abusive language during an altercation between him and a neighbour.

But Mike Sisson-Pell, mitigating, said Hutchinson could not remember the incident and believed his behaviour was due to a neurological condition.

He said: “He’d had two to three pints during the whole day so had not been drunk. He denied the offence in a police interview but later changed his mind.

“This is because he has become so concerned after his friends said that he could be abusive to them. This made him take the decision to visit his GP, who sent him for an MRI scan. The results from that found that has has fluid on his brain that puts pressure on it.

“The doctor believes that this causes behavioural changes. He has been referred to a neurologist and may require an operation.

“He doesn’t have any family so the last thing he wants to do is upset his neighbours or friends.”

District judge Michael Fanning said he believed the offence was bred by racism.

“My hands are tied so I can only punish you with a fine of £200. Your attack was invoked by reason of race.

“Racial abuse breeds hate and can’t go unpunished.”

Hutchinson was also charged £85 in court costs and a £30 surcharge.