A RACIST dad caught on camera spitting at a black policeman has apologised - and blamed his vile outburst on "having a bad day".
David Mears took to The Herald's Facebook page to offer his apology after police released a video of the shocking incident.
The 59-year-old father said he "hated himself" for his foul-mouthed tirade, which ended in spitting at the police officer.
He said: "You all have the right to say your remarks and I accept all that you say.
"I apologise to you all as I have apologised to the police."
Mears said he was "having a bad day" due to an altercation with his son and that he felt he was "treated badly" after police were called.
"I hope you don't get in this situation one day," he told others who had commented on his actions on Facebook.
"I hate myself for it."WARNING: Video contains extremely offensive language throughout WARNING: Video contains extremely offensive language throughout
As The Herald reported yesterday, Mears abused the constable with a string of thinly-veiled comments on July 18 this year after officers had been called to his North Prospect home.
Prosecutors at Plymouth Crown Court said Mears was being held by officers as they awaited a police van to taken him to Charles Cross police station
As they waited he made a number of references aimed at one of the officers, telling him and his colleagues that he apparently had a black cat called "Sambo" and made pointed reference to black clouds.
Judge Paul Darlow said that his behaviour had been "grossly insulting" to the officer, but said he accepted he "acted out of anger rather than malice."
Mears, of Foliot Avenue, North Prospect, pleaded guilty to racially-aggravated common assault. The court heard Mears has several serious convictions, including for robbery and unlawful wounding.
He was handed a suspended prison sentence in 2011 for pushing a 16-year-old boy through the glass of a shop window.
Nick Lewin, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said police were called to the defendant's home following an argument between Mears and his son.
He added four officers attended, including two women and the black police constable.
Mr Lewin said Mears agreed to go to the police station to be questioned and was compliant with officers.
But he became frustrated as officers had to wait 15 minutes for the right vehicle to attend.
Officers wearing body-worn cameras filmed Mears numerous comments.
Eventually, he was placed in the back of a van where he hurled a direct racist insult at the officer, calling him "a black ****" and spat on his stab vest.
Deni Mathews, for Mears, said his client: "He lost his temper and committed a terrible offence."
It is understood no body-worn camera footage was able to be shown in court to assist the judge with his sentencing as the disk it was held on had corrupted.
Judge Darlow imposed a 12-week prison sentence, but suspended it for two years. He must complete a 15-day probation course, pay a £900 criminal courts charge and £80 victim surcharge.
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