A SOUTHAMPTON man unleashed a racist rant towards his neighbours as they celebrated their child’s birthday in the back garden.

Drunk Paul Davis shouted from his balcony at his neighbours as they marked their child’s fifth birthday with a family barbecue.

During the rant, The 37-year-old attacked the family’s Eastern European heritage, describing Polish people as “trash” and telling them to “go home”.

He later assaulted two police officers after being arrested.

Davis, of Oakley Road, was given a 26-week suspended prison sentence.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard how Davis was drunk on June 10 last year when he began shouting at his neighbours.

Prosecutor Rachel Standish told the court: “They were having a family barbecue.

“They were celebrating their son’s fifth birthday.”

Ms Standish said that during the party Davis began shouting at the family from a balcony.

She said: “He said things like ‘you Polish should go back to Poland’ and ‘Polish are trash and you should go back home’.”

Davis was arrested and taken to Southampton Central Police Station, where he assaulted two officers., while in custody, he began banging his head on the wall of his cell.

A police officer went to see Davis, who had cut his head, but he hit out at the officer, striking him the face

He later assaulted another officer at the same police station.

In another incident, in August, Davis assaulted a paramedic, while in September he threatened workers at Southampton General Hospital.

He also damaged a door belonging to his neighbour in October.

Mitigating, Gaylene Coles said alcohol was a key factor in all of the incidents.

Asked if he was aware of his actions during the incidents, she said: “He does recall some of the events, but he doesn’t want to talk about them because he says he is so ashamed.

“What he does remember he just says he is sorry.”

Sentencing Davis to a 26-week suspended sentence, Judge Peter Greenfield said his actions had ruined the family’s party.

He said: “It was distressing for them, you caused a lot of distress. It was meant to be a happy day and you ruined itfor them.”

He added: “You’ve got a poor record of violence and poor behaviour.

“It is clear you have an alcohol addiction.

“You need to address these issues and engage with people who are trying to help you.”

Davis, who pleaded guilty to all charges, was sentenced to 18 weeks for the racially aggravated harassment.

He was given two weeks for each assault on the police officers and four weeks for the assault on the paramedic.

The sentences were all suspended for two years.

Davis was also ordered to pay a total of £700 in compensation to his victims.