A man has been jailed after he spat at a police officer when drunk and hurled racist abuse.
Sussex Police said: “An abusive man has been jailed for drunk and disorderly behaviour in Bognor.
“Martin Cox was seen staggering in traffic in Station Road on Monday 22 December.
“The 60-year-old had abused members of the public and was abusive towards officers.
“It was less than a month after he received a suspended prison sentence for similar behaviour.
“At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 24 December, he admitted two counts of drunk and disorderly behaviour, two counts of racially or homophobically aggravated harassment, assault by beating of an emergency worker and using threatening or abusive words and behaviour.
“The court was told how Cox used racist and homophobic slurs and when officers tried to speak with him, he continued to shout abuse.
“He spat at a police officer and his behaviour was in full view of the public including children in the town centre.
“Cox, of no fixed address, was previously convicted of racially aggravated harassment, assaulting an emergency worker and possession of a bladed article in public in court on Friday 28 November and was given a suspended sentence.
“He has 51 convictions for 116 previous offences.
“Appearing before Crawley magistrates on Wednesday 24 December, the court activated the 16-week suspended prison sentence and he was sentenced to a further 16 weeks in prison for the new offences, taking the total sentence to 32 weeks.”
After the case, PC Libby Small said: “Martin Cox’s behaviour in the run up to Christmas was appalling. We responded to reports of racist abuse and drunk and disorderly behaviour.
“Cox continued to abuse and assault officers who were there to keep the public safe over the festive period.
“We have been working hard alongside partner agencies to ensure Bognor town centre is a welcoming place to live, work and visit.
“Cox’s un-festive behaviour was unacceptable so we are pleased that this was recognised by the court and that he is now serving a significant custodial sentence.”
