A former soldier, who was on an all-day drinking binge at an Isle of Wight pub, before hurling abuse at a bartender who refused to sell him more alcohol, has been sentenced.

Scott O’Brien, of Russell Road, Shorwell, had previously pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words/behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence.

He attended sentencing at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 8.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said the 53-year-old had been drinking at the Crown Inn on Walkers Lane, Shorwell, on April 16, with an ex-military friend.

By 7pm, when customers were arriving for dinner, the pair were being loud at the bar, and when new staff took over the shift in the evening, they refused to sell O’Brien any more alcohol, said Ms Stone.

The prosecution told the court O’Brien used offensive language and told random patrons at the pub: “F*ck off, we fought for you. What have you ever done for this country?”

In a statement read out to the court by Ms Stone, the victim said: “I was worried and scared violence would be used against me.”

Michael McGoldrick, defending, described his client’s response as ‘disproportionate and inappropriate’, suggesting O’Brien would benefit from the probation service.

O’Brien is ex-military and suffers PTSD after serving in Northern Ireland, said Mr McGoldrick.

The defence told the court O’Brien has been given a five-year ban by Pubwatch, but is not prone to drinking large amounts of alcohol.

Magistrates told O’Brien they ‘appreciate the service’ he has done for this country and handed him a nine-month community order with a £140 fine, a surcharge of £114 and costs of £85.