A MAN racially abused and assaulted his love rival during a quarrel over his children, a court heard yesterday.

Anthony Cormack, 39, of Montrose Street, Darlington, pushed Kevin Hughes in a "threatening manner," and made derogatory comments about his colour.

Darlington magistrates heard that Mr Hughes lives with Cormack's ex-partner and her two children from their relationship.

Paul Hunter, prosecuting, said the row flared when Cormack went to their house in Darlington, in January, to pick up his children.

"The defendant pushed Mr Hughes in a threatening manner, making reference to him being black," he said. "Mr Hughes said the children were visibly upset."

Cormack grabbed Mr Hughes by the throat, and was eventually bundled out of the house, leaving the victim "very distressed".

Chris Bunting, in mitigation, said Cormack was upset about the change in arrangements for him to see his children that day.

"He regrets using the language that he did and accepts his actions were wrong," he said.

Cormack admitted racially aggravated assault. Magistrates acknowledged there were "difficult circumstances", and sentenced him to a six-month community rehabilitation order.