A BURY woman has admitted a charge of racially aggravated public disorder over a row with a taxi driver.

Bury magistrates heard how the behaviour of 44-year-old Christine Leary of Parr Lane, Unsworth, which included a racist remark to the driver, had resulted in a court appearance and the loss of her good character.

Mr Nick Beckett, prosecuting, said it was sad that someone without convictions should appear in court as a result of a dispute over a taxi fare.

The Asian taxi driver had collected Leary in Manchester to take her to Parr Lane but on arrival there was a dispute over the fare.

The taxi driver said he would take the defendant to the police station where the matter could be resolved. He was subject to abuse which included being called a "Paki."

At the police station Leary, who had been drinking, made a racist comment about "him taking the p . . . because he's a Paki."

Mr Beckett said: "That was enough. She was arrested. I'm sure she regrets what happened."

On her behalf, Mr Roger Taylor said Leary did regret it and expressed her apologies to all parties. Leary had put herself in that unhappy situation because on a previous occasion she had been charged £2 less for the journey and because, due to drink, she used language which was out of character.

Leary told the bench: "I can assure you I won't be back."

The bench decided to give her a conditional discharge for 12 months but ordered her to pay £43 court costs.