AN ANDOVER man has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting racial assault and racial harassment at a hearing in Winchester Crown Court.

Stuart John Asseter, of Hattem Place, Andover, was sentenced to a total of 20 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to racially aggravated assault by beating and racially aggravated harassment of Marcis Berzins during an incident in Andover in March.

Appearing before Judge Evans on Friday (3 July), the 25-year-old was additionally ordered to carry out a total of 80 hours unpaid work, 40 hours for the racially aggravated offences and 40 for breaching a previous suspended sentence.

The defendant was also ordered to pay £300 compensation, Crown Prosecution costs of £200 and an £80 victim surcharge.