A man has denied sending hundreds of racist and vitriolic emails to various political figures about black football players and ethnic groups.

Maher Khammash, 52, of Heatherwood Drive, Hayes, is also said to have sent emails to The Sun, The Jewish Chronicle, The Police Complaints Commission and The Football Association.

The focus of much of his alledged hatred is Patrice Evra, a black French footballer who plays for Manchester United.

His offensive comments amongst other remarks stated that black players should not be allowed on British pitches unless they can win.

One email was sent on April 28 after a Premiership match between Chelsea and Manchester United where Mr Evra had a row with ground staff.

Mr Khammash has been charged with 10 counts of sending grossly offensive emails.

Lyall Thompson prosecuting solicitor said: "He admits sending the emails but he says they are not offensive and says his intention was to shock and awe. He says they are only words, nobody feels them.

"That may be true, nobody does feel them, but in civilised society we have laws to prohibit people from saying things which cause gross offence."

Witness Lucy Faulkner, an equality manager at the Football Association, said: "My role is to ensure we are tackling racism across the board. When I received this email I was shocked. This was by far one of the worst emails we'd received, just horrible stuff."

Mr Khammash who represented himself asked her: "Did you receive more than one email from me?"

She replied: "No."

Sergeant David Baldwin, also a witness, said: "When we arrived to arrest him he swore at the police and said he sends many emails for political reasons. He also asked if the MI5 were involved."

The case continues.