A TEENAGE girl could be sent to prison after punching, kicking and spitting at an Asian man in the street.

Tracy Place, of Coleridge Gardens, Darlington, launched an unprovoked attack on Bewar Ahmed after drinking with friends on the bank holiday Monday in May.

Bill Brabban, prosecuting, told South Durham Magistrates' Court that Mr Ahmed was walking home from work at about 6pm when the 19-year-old came over and attacked him. He said the restaurant-worker recognised her as she lived on the same street.

Mr Brabban said: "She was saying what are you doing here? Go back to your own country. I don't want your face here anymore. I hate you."

Graham Hunsley, in mitigation, said his client had been drinking all day. "She wouldn't ordinarily, when sober, harbour any racist views," he said.

Place pleaded guilty to racially aggravated common assault.

Magistrates adjourned proceedings until November 11 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, with all options open.