A man was knocked down and kicked 20 times as he walked home after being asked if he was Polish.

Zaid Ince had been strolling through Chiswick one afternoon in October 2006 when his assailant struck, Isleworth Crown Court heard last week.

Daniel Cahill, 29, passed Mr Ince in Sutton Court Road, turned around swore at him asked if he was Polish and said "Leave my country alone".

Prosecutor Harendra Silva said Mr Ince tried to protect himself as Cahill grabbed him around the throat, forced him to the ground and kicked him repeatedly.

"The victim suffered bruising to his upper legs and stomach, grazing to his elbow and hip and a severe headache," said counsel.

The attack only stopped when a passerby intervened and the defendant walked off. Police were called and Cahill, of Spooner House, Heston, was arrested nearby.

He told police he thought Mr Ince had assaulted his sister a few days before. Cahill denied racism and pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm. Judge Sam Katkhuda sentenced Cahill to a community order for 18 months and a four-month night-time curfew.