A JOBLESS labourer has been reprimanded and banned from jury service after making racist remarks about defendants.

Paul Sullivan, 47, made his abusive comments to the jury officer at Southampton Crown Court in a bid to get out of a possible three-week trial. The jury officer reported him and Judge Peter Ralls QC remanded him to the cells for two hours before he was brought back into the dock for contempt of court.

Defence barrister Andy Houston revealed he had been twice sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

“He made the remarks to get out of jury service,” said Mr Houston. “He doesn’t hold those views, and being in the cells has been a sobering experience. He realises the folly of what he has done and apologises.”

Judge Ralls discharged Sullivan but warned him about his future conduct.