A MAN has been jailed after he launched a "disgusting" and racist verbal assault on frontline NHS staff.

Thomas Hughes appeared in court following the incident in a Southampton hospital on January 24.

The 35-year-old launched a "disgusting" verbal attack on members of frontline staff who were trying to help him.

The offence was racially aggravated and he also threatened to cause harm, magistrates heard.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, he admitted two charges of racially aggravated harassment and two charges of racially aggravated provocation of violence by words.

Hughes, of Woodlands Road, Netley Marsh, was jailed for three months.

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