A "DRUNKEN IDIOT" took off his shirt, headbutted a car and tried to fight police on the Isle of Wight. 

Thomas Riordan, of Globe Road, Stratford, London — formerly of East Hill Road, Ryde — appeared for sentencing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Monday (September 6). 

At a previous hearing, the 26-year-old admitted racially aggravated common assault, and using threatening, abusive or insulting words/behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence or provoke violence.

Both offences took place on January 9 of this year, in Shanklin. 

Prosecutor, Gemma Noble, told the court police had been called to a domestic disturbance on Milford Road at around 3.30am.

On arrival, officers described Riordan as being aggressive, swearing and trying to engage them in a fight.

The court heard he took off his T-shirt, said: "let's go", and at a later stage headbutted a car. 

Ms Noble said further police assistance was requested and Riordan was arrested. 

Taken into custody and placed on the floor of his cell, the court heard he levelled a racist remark at one of the officers restraining him and tried to spit at him. 

In a victim-impact statement, read out in court, the officer described the experience as deeply upsetting, and said he didn't expect to come on duty and be racially abused. 

Ms Noble described the incident as sustained, made worse because there was an element of fear of disease transmission. 

The court heard Riordan had a substantial record of previous convictions — 27 in total, for 68 offences, including battery and ABH.

Jim Osborne, defending, said Riordan had moved to London since the incident and was headhunted for a job as an events provider. 

He said it was a real turning point in his life and his alcohol consumption had reduced significantly. 

Riordan now had a focus in his life and deeply regretted his actions on the day.

Riordan described himself in police interview as a "drunken idiot".

Judge David Melville told Riordan he had a considerable tally of offences, and it was time for him to grow up. 

Riordan was handed a 12-week prison term, suspended for two years. 

He was ordered to pay £250 compensation and costs of £425.