A SHANKLIN man was spared jail after assaulting a police officer.

Gary Dauncey, 49, of Osborne Road, was given a four-month custodial sentence — suspended for nine months.

He appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court today (Thursday) where he admitted assaulting an emergency worker, and two counts of causing harassment, alarm or distress towards NHS staff.

The charges stemmed from an incident which took place at Stanhope Road, Cowes, on Tuesday evening.

Dauncey was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim of the assault, who is a police officer.