A MAN who hurled racist abuse at Dale Farm travellers has had his knuckles rapped.

Anthony Balfour, 68, had travelled down from Newcastle when he decided to pay a visit to the site.

He had heard about the pending eviction, and was interested to take a look for himself.

But when one of the protestors told him it was private land he lost his rag.

Police officers heard him respond: “What are you talking about? It’s all over the news, no one wants you here.”

He then swore at them and made a racist comment.

It happened at about 3.30am on Monday when he was arrested and remanded in custody overnight.

Balfour, of Graham Park Road, Newcastle, appeared at Southend Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour that was racially aggravated.

He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.