A hammer-wielding brute tried to attack a shop owner after being confronted for stealing gum, a court heard.
Daniel Jewson, 32, walked into Hadj's Mini Market on March 20, 2021.
Teesside Crown Court heard how the defendant took gum from the counter of the Hartlepool store and then left the shop without paying, Teesside Live reports.
Prosecutor, Rachel Masters, said that the owner noticed Jewson stealing the product and followed him out.
She said: "The shopkeeper questioned him as to why he had taken it. The defendant responded by saying f*** off you b**** a*******. The owner insisted he give the chewing gum back and the defendant threw it to the floor and left."
The court heard around 20 minutes later Jewson returned carrying a hammer.
He rushed towards the victim and attempted to hit him. Ms Masters said the victim and he wrestled and the owner was left with arm injures.
In a victim impact statement the shop owner said: "I've lived in the UK for 10 years and since the opening of the business I've had to suffer many insults towards my race.
"People think it's their right to steal from me, make racist comments and cause damage to my shop all of which they appear to get away with."
Before leaving the shop, Jewson, 32, destroyed the lottery machine and stand, and cracked a window.
The Elliott Street resident - who has seven previous convictions for 13 offences - handed himself in a day later and pleaded guilty to affray, racially aggravated harassment and criminal damage.
Defending, Stephen Constantine said Jewson should be given full credit for his plea and also claimed the defendant has suffered problems with both his mental and physical health.
Mr Constantine said: "His partner tells me he has occasions where he can't cope. He has genuine regret for his behaviour."
Recorder Nathan Adams said an immediate prison sentence was necessary. He jailed Jewson for six months and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge.
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