A MAN who racially abused staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital before taking off all his clothes and threatening security staff has narrowly avoided jail.

Leon Vollenhoven had been admitted to the Headington hospital on April 16 for suspected self harming or overdosing, the court heard.

Prosecutor Sarah Mackay told Oxford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday how after being discharged, the 35-year-old became racially abusive to staff in front of patients and visitors.

She said Vollenhoven was removed from the building, but then stripped off naked and continued his torrent of abuse and threatened security officer Bless Dafeamekpor.

Ms Mackay added: "He has become abusive and threatening and calling Mr Dafeamekpor and others 'black c****'.

"He has proceeded to undress himself and when approached he has again threatened security officers."

Despite being arrested, the court heard Vollenhoven was admitted to the hospital again on May 13, but demanded staff pay his bus fare home then racially abused security officer OJ Jatta.

Ms Mackay said: "When asked to leave by security he has become abusive saying 'I will cut your throat and I will shoot the police and nurses and you'."

Vollenhoven admitted two counts of racially aggravated harassment and one count of using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress at the same court on May 14.

Speaking from the dock he apologised for his actions and said he was trying to get into rehab for his drinking problem.

He added: "I am so sorry, you have no idea how guilty and how bad I feel."

District Judge Tim Pattinson branded the racist abuse as "horrible" and "nasty" enough to merit a prison sentence.

He said hospital staff have the right to work in an environment free from abuse, but told Vollenhoven he could spare him jail.

He added: "No court could be criticised for locking someone up who uses racist and threatening language against people working in a hospital, working tirelessly to help all of us.

"The people who were insulted and abused must have been caused an enormous amount of distress."

District Judge Pattinson handed Vollenhoven, of no fixed abode, a community order with a six-month alcohol treatment programme and 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Police anti-social behaviour officer PC Mike Ellis said: "Hospital workers give tirelessly to help people, often in difficult circumstances and patients in the hospital who are ill shouldn't have to put up with that sort of behaviour."