A TAXI driver was repeatedly beaten and racially abused by two men in a street attack, a court was told.

Mohammed Kershid was attacked on three separate occasions, first by Danny Price and then helped by his friend Andrew Eckersley.

The terrified driver fought back but was pursued as he frantically knocked on neighbours' houses for help.

Eckersley, aged 17, of Hesketh Manor, Bullough Street, Atherton, and 19-year-old Danny Price, of Perth Avenue, Higher Ince, Wigan, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence. Both admitted affray.

Prosecutor Sharon Amesu said Mr Kershid had turned his minibus around in Kebble Road, but Price, who claimed he had almost been run over by the manoeuvre, kicked his van. Mr Kershid got out to ask what was wrong but was met by a hail of racist abuse. Price then threw a punch at the driver.

Mr Kershid tried to walk away but was attacked again by Price, who then ran off, only to jump him from behind.

Price took the keys from the minibus and later threw them in the road. As Mr Kershid tried to phone the police, Price attacked him again.

In a street near to his home, Price was joined by Eckersley and another male and all three punched and kicked the driver.

Judge Bruce Macmillan said Price had played the dominant role and sent him to youth custody for three months to run concurrently with his current sentence. Eckersley was fined £500.