An Isle of Wight man with complex learning difficulties has been spared jail after admitting to a string of offences - including smashing the window of Iceland in Ryde.

In separate incidents, Josef Wilkins, of Pellhurst Road, Ryde, also threatened a member of hotel staff, and racially abused a woman.

He appeared before magistrates on Friday, April 14, where he pleaded guilty to attempted burglary with intent to steal.

He had already admitted to three other offences at a previous hearing.

The court heard how in the early hours of February 2, Wilkins, 23, used a wooden post to smash the window of Ryde's Iceland.

Prosecuting, Liz Miller, said he tried, and failed, to gain entry to the shop for alcohol.

A separate incident, on March 21, saw Wilkins, who was also sent to prison for two burglaries last year, racially abuse a female staff member at his accommodation. 

Ms Miller said the worker heard him making 'weird' noises in his room after he came back drunk, and when she checked on him, he told her: "why don't you go back home you black b*****d".

Then, just ten days later, Wilkins was arrested at the Premier Inn, Sandown.

He didn't pay for his meal at the restaurant and so a member of staff refused him entry to the hotel, Ms Miller said.

This prompted Wilkins to threaten: "if you don't give me my stuff I will knock your f*****g lights out."

Police were called, a stanley knife was found in his possession and he was arrested, the court heard.

Jim Osborne, for Wilkins, said he has battled with alcohol and anti-social behaviour and has experienced separation from his family.

But, he said, Wilkins now has support from his grandmother, who plans to take control of his finances so he can't just "go on a bender".

Wilkins has also been offered new accommodation, with stricter rules.

It was heard how a community order given to him previously had not gone well.

Mr Osborne said: "He has complex needs and I don't think custody would help him at all".

Wilkins was given a new, 18-month community order and told to complete 30 rehabilitation days and nine months of alcohol treatment.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £1,700 to Iceland.