Sunderland man who ripped niqab from woman in racist attack to be sentenced

Peter Scotter, 55, of Beach Street, Roker, Sunderland, will appear at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting racially aggravated assault by beating and racially aggravated harassment.

Both offences were based on Scotter's hostility towards a particular religious group, namely Islam, the court was told.

He was also heard to say: "Our Britain, you live by our f****** rules," before coming out with more racist abuse.

Judge Stephen Earl adjourned a previous hearing to allow cancer specialists to assess his condition, after Scotter was diagnosed with a serious cancerous tumour under his tongue.

Sunderland Magistrates' Court heard how Scotter left his victim terrified when he attacked her in July, with the force he used almost throwing her to the ground.