A Kingston man who broke an antisocial behaviour order (Asbo) by calling his neighbour a "black bitch" was sentenced to two months behind bars but released on the same day.

Piers Caudell, 43, admitted breaching the order just one month after it was imposed and, having spent a month in custody awaiting sentence, was released at Kingston Crown Court last Thursday.

The court heard about the incident in Neville Road, Kingston, on June 11 in which Caudell shouted racist remarks at his neighbour, in front of her young son, after a row erupted over brown patches on his lawn.

Speaking in court, defence solicitor Abigail Web said: "One off-the-cuff remark has landed him in custody and he appreciates that one further remark will land him in the same, if not worse, position.

"He has expressed remorse and accepts that he has certain issues, particularly around his consumption of alcohol, which is something he has assessed."

It was yet another chapter in a five-year reign of terror which residents have had to endure. But the court heard nothing of his alleged death threats, harassment and threats of violence to residents of Grayham Road, New Malden, which led to the Asbo being issued in May.

The Asbo bans Caudell from entering two New Malden wards, drinking in public and racially abusing anyone for five years.

The court heard about Caudell's long running battle with alcohol and mental problems. Ms Web said these problems have been tackled during his month behind bars.

Residents were too scared of Caudell to speak on the record, but several have expressed doubts as to whether he will change his ways.