THE landlord of a Canvey pub will appear in court charged with a racially aggravated offence.

Mark Lester, who runs the Admiral Jellicoe Pub in High Street, has been charged with racially aggravated behaviour to cause distress after a fight broke out involving an Asian woman at the pub on October 5.

Lester, 51, of Van Diemens Pass, Canvey, also faces charges of theft after the licensee sign from the Corner Club in High Street, Canvey was stolen on September 21.

He has been bailed and is due to appear before Basildon magistrates on Friday February 14.

Lester took over the running of the pub over 18 months ago alongside his wife, Lyn.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “A man is due to appear in court next month after being charged with offences following incidents on Canvey.

“MarkLester was arrested at the Admiral Jellicoe public house on Sunday, October 20 and has been charged with one count of theft relating to a sign being stolen from a wall on September 21.

“The 51-year-old man from Van Diemens Pass on Canvey has also been charged with one count of racially aggravated behaviour to cause distress relating to an incident at the pub on Saturday October 5.

“He is on police bail prior to an appearance at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on, February 14.”