A DRUNKEN Widnes man who abused police after an incident in an Indian restaurant has been fined £150 at Halton Magistrates Court.

Warren Beesley, aged 28 and of Chidlow Close in West Bank, was found guilty of committing racially aggravated public order offences last Friday.

Leslie Vickers, prosecuting, said six or seven police officers had been called to the Balti King restaurant on Widnes Road at 11.30pm, on November 19 last year.

They found Beesley arguing with a waiter outside.

Ms Vickers said Beesley - celebrating his birthday - and another man, had allegedly been throwing glasses inside the restaurant. She said Beesley was warned about his behaviour but he had to be restrained by police due to his abusive manner.

Keith Porter, defending, noted the complaint had been made by the police, not the staff, and that Mr Beesley's friends made an apology to the staff the next day, which was accepted.

Mr Beesley denied throwing any glasses.

Magistrate Alan Griffiths told Beesley: "It isn't acceptable, even on your birthday, that you get drunk and cause this sort of offence, whether or not it is racially motivated."

After the case, Halton Police's head of race crime, Insp Grant Arden, said: "This positive action by Cheshire Police shows people who are racist and behave in an anti-social manner can expect to be arrested and prosecuted."