Man verbally abuses cop with racist comments

Shoppers witness drunk bigot cause a scene in a Whitsunday shopping centre.

Peter Colin Marshall Taylor was arrested after causing a public nuisance in Cannonvale. Picture: Trevor Veale

A DRUNK man, who was looking for a job, hurled racial abuse at a police officer and a shop attendant.

Peter Colin Marshall Taylor of Hydeaway Bay, who has a 13-page criminal history, had been drinking in a nearby bush on August 10, before he wandered into the Whitsunday Plaza.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Emma Myors said police were called after an off-duty officer witnessed the 53 year old, who was looking for a job, verbally abusing a shop attendant.

Proserpine Magistrates Court heard Taylor had yelled, "I'm black, can you give me a job, white b---h".

"When police soon after arrived, he said to one of the officers 'f--k off back to China," Sgt Myors said.

Taylor pleaded guilty in Proserpine Magistrates Court to causing a public nuisance and three other charges.

Magistrate James Morton noted that he himself was an indigenous Australian, asking Taylor what his family heritage was.

The Cannonvale local said he was of European descent.

Solicitor Elizabeth Smith said neither those shopping at the centre nor the police officers, were at risk of physical violence from Taylor.

"Yes, he was unruly in the general public, which is what brought the attention of police in the first place, but he was not violent with police or members of the public."

Mrs Smith recognised a period of imprisonment was the only outcome of Taylor's court appearance.

Magistrate James Morton warned Taylor his punishment would only get worse unless he reined in his unruly behaviour.

"The problem for you when you go to the shopping centre, is you have an axe to grind - when you drink, the badness comes out," he said.

"This is only a band-aid, it only gets worse from here if you continue with your conduct."

Taylor was sentenced to a total of six months in prison for his four charges.