A NEWPORT man recalled to prison after assaulting a police officer and a shop worker – slapping the latter across the face – has been fined.

Harrison Blake, of West Street, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Monday (September 6).

The 23-year-old admitted assault by beating, and common assault on a police constable, on August 13, 2021.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court Blake had entered Asda in Newport. He walked into the store wearing nothing on his torso, and when one of the shop workers asked him to put a top on, he said he didn’t have one to hand.

The court heard he took exception when attempting to purchase alcohol and being asked to produce ID.

Mrs Smout said Blake squared up to the shop worker when challenged, demanding he serve him, before lunging at him.

Told to leave, Blake slapped the shop worker across the face, then started to apologise and shake hands with people in the store.

Police were called and Mrs Smout said at one stage, Blake swung a punch at an attending police officer which failed to connect.

He was arrested and taken to Newport Police Station.

In police interview, Blake told officers he had been drinking and had no intention of harming the shop worker or the police officer, admitting he acted stupidly.

Mrs Smout said Blake was last in court in March 2020, where he was given a 20-month prison sentence.

She said he had now been recalled to prison for 28 days due to the incident.

Barry Arnett, defending, said Blake was apologetic and admitted what he did was wrong.

He said Blake – who suffers from a borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety – had been drunk and had not taken his medication.

The court heard, since being recalled to prison, Blake had undergone a remarkable transformation, was back on medication and had a job waiting for him upon release.

Blake was fined £120 and ordered to pay £50 compensation to the shop worker, costs of £85 and a £34 surcharge.