A MAGISTRATE reprimanded for complaining in court about `bloody foreigners' has been sent on a course to appreciate other cultures. Alan Mitchell has agreed to complete the `diversity training' course before he returns to the bench.

The Department for Constitutional Affairs said a reprimand was a fair punishment and that Mr Mitchell would be allowed to return to the bench. He has not been sitting as a magistrate since his comments were made public in the M.E.N. last month.

The city's longest-serving magistrate said in court: "Don't talk to me about bloody foreigners. I have to travel three miles to go to a decent chip shop. Don't get me started on Rusholme and curry."

Diversity training can involve challenging stereotypes and encourages an appreciation and understanding of different cultures.

Mr Mitchell, 68, who has been a magistrate since 1971, made the remarks while he was sitting as the chairman of the bench after dealing with his list of cases.

No defendants or members of the public were present but when one of his colleagues overheard one of his remarks, she pointed out that she was married to an Iranian and said she was unhappy with his comments.

A formal complaint was made and a panel recommended Mr Mitchell, from New Moston, should be transferred to a secondary list of JPs rarely called upon - effectively ending his career as a JP.

It is understood Mr Mitchell did not accept this recommendation.

A spokesman for the Department for Constitutional Affairs said: "Since we made our decision, the (Manchester) bench chairman had a chat with Mr Mitchell who agreed to attend diversity training until he sits again. That's now in progress."