A DRUG addict told Island magistrates he damaged a fire door at a Sandown hostel because fellow residents provoked him into a rage by falsely branding him a rapist and paedophile.

Daniel Kilshaw, unemployed, admitted causing criminal damage to the door at Sandham House, Fort Street, on the evening of April 21.

And it is not the only time has caused damage to the Southern Housing Group property.

Back in December last year, Kilshaw, 41, committed the crime at Sandham House and was given a year's probation, which included 30 rehabilitation days and nine months of drug rehabilitation assistance.

On April 21, police were called to a disturbance at Sandham House and Kilshaw was clearly seen on CCTV hitting and pushing the fire door with considerable force, causing it to break.

Repairs cost Southern Housing £100.

Following his arrest, Kilshaw told the police he had having ongoing issues with other residents at the hostel, claiming he had been subjected to abuse and violence all day, claiming he had been called a rapist, paedophile, 'nonce' and various other names, said Ann Smout, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Kilshaw apologised and conceded he had been drinking heavily, lost his temper and caused the damage.

"He said had been in a rage and did the wrong thing and would not have acted in that way had he not been provoked by the others," said Mrs Smout.

For Kilshaw, Oscar Vincent said although his client had been drinking, he had been minding his own business, in his own room. 

"Unfortunately, he has ongoing issues with some of the other residents at Sandham House and was on the receiving end of a campaign of bullying, threats and intimidation — including assaults," said Mr Vincent.

"He lost his temper and was upset at what was happening to him, and so took his frustrations out on the door."

Probation officer, Dawn Young, told the bench Kilshaw was a regular drug user with complex needs, who has turned up for probation appointments having tested positive for drugs, including heroin. 

Magistrates allowed his probation order to continue and handed him a 12-month conditional discharge, with an order to pay £100 compensation to Southern Housing.