A SANDOWN man who erupted in a drunken tirade of homophobic slurs towards police has been sentenced. 

Anthony Serjent, of Fort Street, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday. 

The 43-year-old admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress, in Newport, on February 28. 

Prosecutor, Rhys Evans, told the court Serjent found himself under arrest for other matters on the day in question. 

He said, while under arrest, he levelled homophobic abuse toward police officers — in particular, a female police officer.  

In police interview, Serjent revealed he couldn't remember what he said, but apologised if he had said the things complained of. 

Mr Evans said Serjent's tone had been vindictive and spiteful, and the female police officer took them personally. 

The court heard Serjent had 16 previous convictions for 33 offences, and committed the latest offence while serving a community order. 

Henry Farley, defending, said Serjent accepted drinking on the night.

He said Serjent felt like he had been the one who had been assaulted, prior to police attendance, and was angry about being arrested.

Mr Farley said, when Serjent said what he did, he had been in the police van, entirely subdued, and no threat to anybody. 

He said Serjent was still smarting from a prolonged period of homelessness, and had mental health and substance abuse issues. 

Magistrates told Serjent he needed to stop using such nasty language, and fined him £80. 

He was also ordered to pay a £34 surcharge but court costs were waived.