A PROLIFIC offender with more than 200 crimes to his name racially abused a hostel employee and delivered a chilling threat to slit his throat.

Andrew John Jason Bell, 46, made the latest in a long line of court appearances in front of Carlisle magistrates today (Thursday).

This followed a disturbing incident at approved hostel premises in the city centre on Tuesday evening.

“Police received a call from a member of staff, stating that Mr Bell was refusing to leave, was making threats to cause damage and making unpleasant remarks,” said prosecutor George Shelley.

Officers attended and found Bell sat on a wall outside the building holding a can of cider. It emerged he had earlier been in a public waiting area inside while staff were in an office behind glass.

Bell had racially abused a security guard and, said Mr Shelley, “threatened to slit his throat”.

“It is very unpleasant, I have to say,” added the prosecutor.

Describing the impact of Bell’s sickening verbal abuse, the man had stated: “I’m scared to come to work and leave as I go by public transport. I feel he is targeting me.”

This was the second time the man had been subjected to abuse, and he spoke of feeling “unsafe” and, at times, wanting to vomit.

“The racial abuse and threats have really upset me even when he (Bell) is not here,” he stated. “I am worrying about him. I feel it is getting too much.”

Bell, who gave an address in court of Arnison Court, Penrith, made no comment to police when interviewed.

In court he admitted one public order charge which was racially aggravated and a second which related to a female staff member present at the time.

The court heard he had 210 past crimes on his record, 46 for public order type offences.

Defence lawyer John Smith, for Bell, drew magistrates’ attention to a probation service update which stated that the defendant was engaging “reasonably well” with mental health intervention work since his latest release from custody last month.

However, a probation officer concluded that there was an established pattern of offending which included serious threats of violence. There was a concern his behaviour could escalate.

Bell’s suggestion from the court dock that he be fitted with a monitoring tag which flagged up alcohol use was rejected as he was deemed to be drink dependant.

Magistrates imposed a six-week prison sentence but suspended it for 12 months after hearing that a short immediate jail term was not deemed beneficial by the probation service.

Bell must also pay £50 compensation to the male and female hostel workers involved in the incident, plus court costs.