Adam Jenson (right), 19, hurled a torrent of abuse at Zimbabwean national Davison Chihambakwe, 29, as he cycled past him on his push bike in Redoubt Road.

Lewes Crown Court heard how he racially abused him before pointing the knife at his victim, telling him, "I'll cut you up."

Prosecutor Alan Gardner told the court the attack happened at about 11pm on February 6 this year.

He said, "The victim was cycling in Eastbourne and turned into Redoubt Road where he saw the defendant walking on the path.

"As he cycled past him the defendant shouted racist abuse loudly. Mr Chihambakwe got off his bike and asked him if there was a problem.
"The defendant then produced a Stanley knife out of his jumper pocket.

He pointed it Mr Chihambakwe and threatened him with it.

Mr Chihambakwe called the police who arrested the defendant.

"He was abusive to officers in the police car and during the journey spat at the police car window and was arrested for criminal damage to police property," added Mr Gardner.

Jenson, of Langney Road, admitted racially aggravated behaviour, possession of a bladed article, resisting arrest and criminal damage.
The court heard he had 20 previous convictions for 51 offences including aggravated burglary and assaulting a police officer.

Defending, Andrew Stephens told the court, "This incident must have been terrifying for that man and the defendant accepts that in the cold light of day."

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall ordered Jenson to be detained at a Young Offenders' Institution after reading psychiatric reports.

He told him, "There is no place in civilised society for your conduct that evening. It was a repellent thing to say to a decent person.

"When he enquired whether there was a problem clearly there was — you. The public are ever more concerned about young men in drink armed with a knife and prepared to flourish it."