A RACIST who tried to murder a doorman by slashing his throat with a razor has been jailed for 28 years.

Geoffrey Ryan had been drinking at The Lounge in Braintree in the hours before the horror attack took place on September 9 last year.

The 53-year-old began to cause issues with other punters as his drinking continued and he was subsequently kicked out of the venue in Market Square at 9.30pm.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard he threw a drink over his victim’s colleague and, after an exchange, flicked a cigarette at him and threatened to kill him before walking off.

Echo: Savage attack - a hooded Geoffrey Ryan walks towards The Lounge to carry out his attackSavage attack - a hooded Geoffrey Ryan walks towards The Lounge to carry out his attack (Image: Essex Police)

A hooded Ryan returned to the town centre shortly before 11.30pm driving a Seat Ibiza and parked in the nearby Sainsbury’s car park.

A jury was told how from there he walked to The Lounge and immediately approached the victim, 24, and used a razor to slash his neck.

He sustained a serious wound which required immediate medical care in order to save his life.

Echo: Jailed - Geoffrey RyanJailed - Geoffrey Ryan (Image: Essex Police)

Judge David Turner KC said: “This was gratuitous, chilling and calculated violence which almost led to death.

“I am completely satisfied it had a significant and disturbing anti-Muslim flavour.”

Ryan, of Brick Kiln Way, Braintree, denied attempted murder and racially aggravated harassment but was convicted following a week-long trial last month.

The court heard the victim has been left with a “significant” lifelong scar as a result of the 3cm deep cut which ran from the victim’s right ear to the midline of his neck.

Judge Turner continued: “I have little doubt that you decided to return to show who was boss.

Echo: Sentence - Chelmsford Crown CourtSentence - Chelmsford Crown Court (Image: ANDRA MACIUCA)

“The decision to return at all was troubling. The decision to take a razor was chilling as events were soon to confirm.

“Your conduct was ruthless and hideously, if briefly, violent.”

Ryan shouted and attempted to leave the dock before he was told he would spend the next 28 years behind bars.

He was handed an extended sentence, meaning he will spend an additional three years on licence when released from prison.

Ryan will serve at least two thirds of the 31 year total sentence.