AN 18-year-old Hatch End girl who hurled verbal abuse at a vulnerable disabled man has been given community service.

Natasha Ilyas, of Headstone Lane, targetted Kevin Sweeney because he has learning difficulties, calling him a “retard” and a “spastic”, in November 2009.

The 39-year-old was with his brother and a friend in the car park of North Harrow Snooker Centre, in Pinner Road, when she picked him out, at around 8pm.

The victim called his mother, who came from their house to challenge Ilyas, but the teenager simply told her “if you don't get out of my face, I don't care about smacking old ladies up”.

Magistrate Ann Miller said: “This was a very unpleasant, irresponsible and unprovoked offence.

“This is categorised as a hate crime and the court finds it unacceptable because the victim has learning difficulties and is clearly very vulnerable.

“We have to warn you that if this ever happens again and if you were to return to court for a similar offence you would be looking at custody.”

Ilyas was handed a 120 hours community service and slapped with a restraining order banning her from contacting the victim for two years.

She will also have to cough up £300 in total for compensation and court costs.

PC Janine Stevenson, of Harrow CID, said: “This reflects the Met Police pledge to thoroughly investigate hate crimes using every tool to obtain the best evidence and to hold the perpetrator to account.

“This conviction sends a message to those who think that they can get away with this particularly damaging form of crime.

“It also sends a message of encouragement to victims. They will be empowered to come forward and report such crimes safe in the knowledge that specialist officers will listen and understand the impact that hate crime has.”

Ilyas pleaded not guilty and maintains her innocence, and Bhavna Vora, defending, said she will appeal “in due course”.

Ms Vora said: “This is a matter that's been hanging over her and has caused her a great deal of stress.”

She highlighted her previous good character.