AN ALCOHOLIC banned from all Southern Vectis buses was abusive to a bus driver for not allowing him travel — then to the police after he refused to get off the vehicle, an Isle of Wight court was told.

Christopher Allen, of Atherley Road, Shanklin, admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place, namely Ryde Bus Station, on October 17.

At the station, Allen boarded a bus schedule to go to Shanklin, but when he was asked to produce his ticket, he did not have one, was refused travel and became abusive — swearing and shouting — at the driver, said Liz Miller, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Allen, 49, refused to get off when the driver challenged him.

When the police arrived, Allen, who is unemployed, swore at them and he was duly arrested.

At the time of the offence, Allen was already serving an 18-month probation order, imposed by Island magistrates on June 21, for racially aggravated harassment and causing criminal damage.

Part of the order includes a six-month alcohol treatment requirement. A probation officer told the court he was a 'functioning alcoholic'.

Allen was already subject to a travel ban on all Southern Vectis buses, which means he cannot get to the Probation Service office in Newport to complete his order.

As a result, because of his "complex needs", the court was told, the Probation Service can only have appointments with him by conducting home visits.

Allen, who appeared unrepresented, said his behaviour was out of character.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.