A menace punched a nurse in the face during a terrifying tirade of racial abuse in a hospital.

Dale Cooper subjected his victims in Maidstone Hospital to racist remarks and assaults during the incident on Wednesday.

Cooper, of no fixed address, racially abused his first victim at about 12.35am, while also threatening to assault him.

A nurse heard the altercation and ordered Cooper to leave the hospital.

But to her horror, he replied: "I have a right to be racist if I want to".

Moments later, the nurse was punched in the face.

The 57-year-old was restrained by three members of security, who were also subjected to further racial abuse and assaults.

Police took Cooper into custody and was later charged with two counts of racially aggravated assault, three counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and a further six counts relating to public order offences, of which four were racially aggravated.

He appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court yesterday and - after pleading guilty - was jailed for 12 months the same day.

Sergeant Craig Chalmers-Stevens said: "Cooper’s behaviour was utterly appalling, and no one should have to tolerate the torrent of vile abusive language and violence he displayed.

"I’m delighted the courts have delivered justice so swiftly as Cooper is a persistent offender and a menace, not only to emergency workers including hospital staff and police, but to the wider public."

Chief executive of Maidstone NHS Trust, Miles Scott, added: "Our staff are truly amazing and throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to work tirelessly to provide an outstanding level of care for our patients.

"They have the right to work in an environment where they feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect.

"The great majority of our patients and visitors treat our staff with consideration and are grateful for the care we provide. Unfortunately, there are a very small minority who do not.

"We would like to thank Kent Police for their help and support and bringing this individual to justice."

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone