A THINKING skills programme is to be undergone by a 19-year-old with a long list of criminal convictions.

Harrison Radcliffe, of Blackwater Road, Newport, admitted assault by beating — when he pushed a teenager on to train tracks at Shanklin — and dangerous driving, at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday.

For his latest offences he had already spent 72 days in custody before being bailed on an electronically monitored curfew to await the sentencing hearing.

The court heard he had a range of previous convictions for offences including violence, assault, possession of a bladed article, and aggravated vehicle taking.

Judge Roger Hetherington concluded that the assault, when he pushed a 15-year-old on to train tracks, was an " ongoing feud probably to do with drugs".

Gemma White, prosecuting, said the assault happened on July 24. Three days later, on July 27, Radcliffe was caught driving dangerously around the Perowne Way and Morton Common areas of Sandown.

A police pursuit took place, with Radcliffe driving a Vauxhall Astra at 50mph in mainly 30mph built-up residential areas.

He went through a red light and caused another vehicle to stop suddenly. He undertook a dangerous overtake on a bend, considered by the police to have been extremely reckless, and drove on the wrong side of the road.

The police managed to block him in, after the pursuit.

David Richards, defending, said the offences were born out of immaturity.

He said: "There is sincere regret. He knows it was stupid, childish and unpleasant."

A report by the probation service recommended a fresh community order, and a 24-month one was imposed, to include 20 days on a Thinking Skills course.

Radcliffe was disqualified from driving for 15 months and must re-take his test to gain his licence back.

He must also pay a £95 surcharge.