A Belfast man accused of assaulting two brothers and telling their father to “get back on your boat” denies any racist intent, a court has heard.
David Fulton faces prosecution for allegedly grabbing and headbutting the teenagers during encounters close to their home in the north of the city.
The 61-year-old, Mackey Street, is charged with three racially-motivated common assaults on members of the family who moved to Northern Ireland from Africa.
He is further accused of disorderly behaviour in connection with incidents on August 14 last year.
At Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday, it was confirmed that he admits assaulting the two brothers.
Fulton is set to contest the remaining charges against him at a trial hearing later this year.
His solicitor, Adrian Harvey, also disclosed that he denies any racial incentive behind his actions.
District Judge Natasha Fitzsimons adjourned the case until next month, when a date for the contest will be fixed.
Fulton remains on bail pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Previous courts heard the brothers, aged 13 and 17, were targeted as they walked along Upper Canning Street.
Fulton allegedly got out of a car and challenged them, grabbed the younger boy by the scruff of the neck and asked him: “What the f*** did you say?”
As the older brother stepped in to offer protection, it was claimed Fulton threw a punch and headbutted him, cutting his lip.
According to the prosecution, he then turned on the teenagers’ father when he emerged from their home to confront him.
Fulton allegedly grabbed the father by the neck and stated: “I’ll get you back in the boat in two minutes, get back in your boat.”
Members of a crowd gathered at the scene were said to have shouted at the victims, telling them they had 24 hours to get out.
The victims and investigating police officers believe they were specifically targeted because of the colour of their skin.
Those suspicions will now be subjected to judicial scrutiny at the contested hearing