A MAN called a delivery driver a “scummy immigrant” and told him to “get out of my country”.

Richard William Coverson, 44, of The Triangle, Bournemouth, admitted a racially aggravated assault on Erik Sarmiento on July 1, 2021.

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, January 14.

Prosecuting, Stuart Ellacott told the court the victim, who was known to Coverson, was working in Christchurch Road.

He said there was history between the two, when the defendant rented a room from the victim.

Mr Ellacott said: “Mr Sarmiento was delivering parcels and became aware of the defendant approaching him. It’s right to say he accepts he said ‘have you grown a conscience yet or are you still stealing from people that are trying to help you?’

“That led to a change in temperature of the discussion.”

An argument ensued and a witness said the defendant appeared more aggressive.

The defendant then told the victim to “**** off” and said: “******* immigrant, go back to your own country, get out of my country, ******* foreigner, scummy immigrant.”

Coverson then pushed Mr Sarmiento which amounted to the assault.

Mitigating, Nick Robinson said Coverson “formally apologises” to the victim. He added the defendant has had two health scares and has since realised “enough is enough”.

Judge Brian Forster QC sentenced Coverson to a 12-month community order, ordered him to carry out a six-month alcohol treatment programme and 30 rehabilitation requirement days.

He also imposed a restraining order on the defendant, preventing him from contacting the victim for five years.

The judge said: “The bottom line is the whole incident was unnecessary. I understand there was a history, you may not have started the matter but there could be no excuse for the words you used and most members of the public would be upset by the use of such words.

“You have been fortunate to have been represented by Mr Robinson, who has persuaded me the appropriate course in this case is to take the course of imposing a community order.”

Judge Forster QC also imposed a curfew for three weeks, between the hours of 8.30pm and 6am.