A CARE worker about to drive home after her shift, ran back to a residential home in terror — banging on the door to be let in — after an alcoholic threatened her with a hatchet.

Tomas Daniel Bateman admitted common assault against the woman and threatening her with an offensive weapon in a public place, namely The Square, Freshwater, last Thursday (4).

The victim, who had finished her shift at around 8.45pm, went to her car, parked near the building.

"She then saw an aggressive looking male walking towards her, shouting about revving up her car," said Ann Smout, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

"She said he was extremely angry with her, but she couldn't understand why as she hadn't even got into her car, let alone started it."

However, Bateman continued to shout and rant at her, wielding a hatchet.

As he waved it, the 31-year-old said to her: "I'm going to get you, lady."

"Unsurprisingly, she ran back to the care home — banging on the front door, demanding to be let in and to call the police," Mrs Smout added.

"She was petrified because he was about 10ft from her with the hatchet.

"A colleague came out to help and said she recognised Bateman, having saved his life recently after he self-harmed. She knew he lived very close by.

"The victim was left terrified of leaving the building. Bateman can not remember doing any of it."

In September, Bateman received 12-months' probation, with a restraining order and a nine-month alcohol treatment order, for sending an offensive text.

In April, Bateman was jailed after flouting a suspended sentence order (SSO) by hurling a plant pot through a neighbour's car window.

The SSO was made for assaulting his mother, waving a sex toy at an elderly woman, growing cannabis and setting fire to rubbish outside a neighbour's door.

"Bateman is someone whose offences have been amassed within a short period of time," Mrs Smout said.

When arrested, Bateman told the police he drank a bottle and half of rum daily, was addicted to butane gas and suffered black-outs — losing three hours at a time.

"Much of his offending is drink-fuelled ranting and abuse, with threats, made towards members of the public," continued Mrs Smout.

"He has a drink problem he cannot control. He admits he's an alcoholic.

"He said he was disgusted by his behaviour, but unless he address his addictions, the chances of him reoffending are extremely high.

"It is of particular concern how he treated a care worker. We've all seen in the past 18 months what a difficult job that is. Anyone in the care sector is owed a real debt of gratitude."

Mrs Smout argued robustly Bateman should not be granted bail.

She told the bench: "If bailed back to his home address, how can those at the care home go about their normal business without feeling terrified?"

For Bateman, Oscar Vincent argued his client needs help with his mental health and said he would be extremely vulnerable in jail.

Magistrates remanded Bateman in custody, for sentencing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court, on December 8.