A HOMELESS man lost the last roof over his head when he drunkenly attacked a support worker at Calverts Hotel, and was abusive.

Robert Kasperski, now of no fixed address, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court yesterday (Tuesday) where he admitted using threatening, abusive and insulting words and behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress to two support workers at the hotel on October 9.

He also admitted assault by beating towards one of them.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said the defendant was a service user of Calverts, which is providing accommodation for homeless people during lockdown. The Isle of Wight Council is unable to open the usual winter shelter, due to coronavirus.

Ms Miller said: "One of the rules is you are not allowed on the premises while drunk. The defendant was outside, heavily intoxicated and holding a can of cider.

"He was informed he was not allowed in for the night and to find somewhere else until he sobered up."

However, Kasperski was later found inside, trying to get upstairs. He was instructed to leave.

He shouted abuse at the two support workers and with a clenched fist, grabbed one by the arm and tried to push past him. A further altercation took place outside between Kasperski and another hotel guest.

In interview afterwards, Kasperski, 46, couldn't remember what had happened.

James Cameron, for Kasperski, said he accepts he has an alcohol problem. He was separated from the mother of his children, had lost work during lockdown, and was unable to claim benefits.

He said: "Calverts was the worst place to have a go at, somewhere that takes in the homeless, so he has exasperated his situation even further."

A probation officer said Kasperski was a Polish national who had been living and working on the Island for six years, but is unable to claim benefits as he has no ID and no financial means to apply for the documents needed.

He was drinking to excess daily and living in a tent, mainly in Shanklin, and wanted to go back to Calverts.

Magistrates gave him a 12-month community order to include 20 rehabilitation days and said they hoped the probation service would be able to give him the advice he needed to get his life back on track.

He must also undertake 80 hours of unpaid work, but was warned he must be sober to do so, or he could end up back in court where custody would be an option.