A BRIGHSTONE man will be sentenced next month after dragging his ex-partner into a van following an argument after ordering a Chinese takeaway.

Adrian John Hodnitt, of Hollis Drive, Brighstone, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and possession of a class A drug at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 4.

Ann Smout, prosecuting, told the court that members of the public witnessed the 44-year-old dragging a woman, his ex-partner of five years, into a van on December 20, 2022.

The court heard how police found the pair at her home in Newport, where Hodnitt was arrested and found to have 1g of cocaine on him.

Mrs Smout said the victim, who did not support the prosecution's case, said the pair had ordered a Chinese, and after a disagreement, Hodnitt dragged her and threatened to kill her if she did not get in the van, causing her a swollen eye and a bruised shoulder.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client had never done drugs, but it had been a hard year after the traumatic death of his brother in early 2022.

He said Hodnitt had bottled up his emotions and grief, and with added pressures from work, it built up.

Hodnitt was given unconditional bail while a probation report is prepared and will appear back before magistrates for sentencing on May 5.