David Jell
Jell posted a sign outside his house that branded his village "Pikeyville".

A man banned from carrying felt-tip pens is facing prison time after leaving an allegedly racist note for his postman outside his home.

David Jell, 54, of Hawkhurst, Kent, is accused of using words likely to cause harassment and alarm after leaving the note which branded his village "Pikeyville".

Neighbours alerted the police after seeing the message that read: "Mr Postman, if I am away from Pikeyville, any parcels or signed-for delivery please leave at No4 only or return to sorting office for collection, many thanks. Beware of pikeys."

He was arrested and charged with racially aggravated harassment. He pleaded not guilty.

Jell's lawyer, Matthew Nickolls, told the court that the definition of "pikey" had been misconstrued. Pikey is a derogatory slang term used to Travellers.

"The defendant admits being the author of the note but disputes the definition of the word 'pikey'," he said.

Jell was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to return to Sevenoaks Magistrate's Court on 27 February.

In 2009, he was subjected to an Asbo banning him from carrying felt tip pens in public after writing abusive comments about women in public lavatories and buses.