A MAN was sacked as bar manager of an Isle of Wight hotel after he couldn't stop drinking and the manager feared he was bringing down the venue's reputation.

Scott Francis, 40, of Avenue Road, Sandown, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday to be sentenced.

He had previously admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence, at Shanklin Hotel, on October 18.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said Francis had been sacked from his job because he consumed the alcohol behind the bar and was often late for work, among other issues.

He was given a week to vacate his on-site accommodation but kept drinking heavily within the hotel, being 'a pest' while wearing his uniform and having to be ushered back to his room by staff.

He was asked to leave the following day but he refused, and police were called.

Amy Hosell, for Francis, previously said Francis had told her he was an alcoholic and trying to stop drinking. He is engaged with Inclusion and Isletalk for help with his issues.

He hadn't been in trouble with the police since 2009 and this new offence was a drink-related offence, with drink starting to have 'quite an impact' on his life.

Presiding magistrate Andre Usborne said: "I'm not sure why an alcoholic was working in a bar in the first place."

Francis replied: "They had their reservations, put it that way."

Francis was handed a 12-month community order to include ten rehabilitation days and a six month alcohol treatment requirement.

He must pay an £80 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.