A MAN accused of wanting to “poison” Polish people has been cleared of a racism charge.

David Pointer, of Dickens Dell, Totton, was alleged to have made “racial” slurs against colleague Marcin Dalek after a discussion on Brexit “got heated”.

Southampton Magistrates Court heard that the 58-year-old, who has worked in maintenance for the NHS for 32 years, was accused of telling Mr Dalek he should “buy a one way ticket home” and wanting to use asbestos to kill Polish people during a lunch-break. 

Mr Pointer admitted he had made a comment but it was because “he felt hurt” after Mr Dalek called him “worthless”.

He denied making a reference to killing Polish people.

Ryan Seneviratne, prosecuting, said Mr Pointer had also sung a racist version of White Christmas, which was further evidence of his “bigoted ways”. 

However, District Judge Greenfield found there was insufficient evidence to back up the prosecution’s charge and Mr Pointer was found not guilty.