A RYDE man who punched, bit and spat at a shop worker has been sentenced.

Maurice Reginald Hammond, of Arthur Street, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old was found guilty of assault by beating of a shop worker, on July 18 of last year, and failing to surrender to police on March 19 of this year.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court Hammond had been refused service at a local post office for being too drunk.

She said Hammond left, but later returned to the store, and was challenged over a can of drink.

The shop owner suspected he might steal the item, and when he went to take the can, Hammond punched him in the face.

Mrs Smout said Hammond was taken to the floor by three members of staff, only for him to target the same victim, biting him on the leg and spitting in his face.

Police were called and Hammond was arrested.

In interview, he denied trying to steal the can and denied punching the victim in the face.

He accepted he might have bitten him, but claimed the staff had instigated the physical confrontation.

The victim did not require medical treatment, but did suffer a bite mark to his leg.

Mrs Smout said Hammond was last before the court in 2018, for battery and theft.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Hammond had ongoing and permanent issues with epilepsy and seizures. He said he recently had an operation and was on heavy painkillers.

The court was told Hammond had been drinking on the day, had a bad reaction and was not thinking straight.

Mr Vincent said Hammond wished to apologise to staff at the shop, and had not offended since.

Hammond was given a 12-month community order, to include 60 days with an alcohol abstinence monitoring tag, and 20 rehabilitation days.

He was ordered to pay £75 compensation to the victim, costs of £650 and a £95 surcharge.