AN unemployed man drank up to 20 cans of alcohol before attacking a supermarket assistant who challenged him for shoplifting. 

Steven Balchin admitted common assault against Scott Thomas, shoplifting and a public order offence, at Aldi, Lake, on April 25.

Mr Thomas, on duty at Aldi that day, was told by a shopper Balchin may have concealed something he had not paid for.

When he challenged Balchin — spotting he had something hidden under his jacket — he refused to hand over the item.

Balchin, of Lake Green Road, Lake, then denied he had anything, said Ann Smout, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

However, when Mr Thomas took the cider off him, Balchin became confrontational — lunging forward to punch him, but he missed.

Balchin then followed him, goading him as he did so.

Throughout the incident, Balchin was aggressive, was swearing and was shouting — inside and outside the store — in earshot of families and children, Mrs Smout added. 

After he was arrested, Balchin told the police he could not remember much due to the vast amount he drank, which he estimated to be 16-20 cans.

The accounts of Mr Thomas and another colleague were put to Balchin, who accepted them.

He told officers he was very sorry for his actions and was extremely ashamed of himself and embarrassed, and that what he did was very much out of character for him.

His most recent other appearance in court was in 2019 for being drunk and disorderly.

Mr Thomas was caused distress. He said: "The incident left me feeling worried. He was aggressive and he clearly wanted to hurt me."

For Balchin, Amy Hosell said her client accepted the evidence against him.

"He said drinking isn't usually much of an issue for him. He sometimes binges, which is what happened that day," said Miss Hosell.

"He is very remorseful, but he said he wants to work, as these issues tend to happen when he's bored."

Balchin also struggled with autism, epilepsy and depression, said Miss Hosell.

Probation officer, Dawn Young, said alcohol underpinned his offending behaviour.

Balchin was handed a year's probation, to include 60 days alcohol abstinance monitoring, with an order to pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.