A MAN racially abused a policewoman after he was arrested for assaulting another woman, a court has heard.

Police were called to Shaftsbury Road, Watford, after a report Abid Hussain had attacked a woman in the street.

After he was placed in the police van, 29-year-old Hussain, of Yarmouth Road, Watford, used racist language towards PC Hannah Regan, Hemel Hempstead Magistrates Court heard on Friday.

Tayo Hussan, prosecuting, told the court the incident began on October 28 when Katie Dunlop went outside to break up a fight involving Hussain and another man.

Miss Dunlop told Hussain she did not want any trouble. Hussain then head butted her, not too hard but in a threatening way and hit her on the chin with the heal of his hand, the court heard.

Hussain pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to using racist language and common assault.

Hussain, an alcoholic has several previous convictions for violence and was jailed in 2004 for 14 months for violent disorder and ABH. Sentencing was adjourned until Friday, June 8, for reports.