A FORMER mental health support worker punched a female police officer in the face, and trashed a hotel room, causing more than £3,000 worth of damage, an Isle of Wight court was told.

Martin D'Arcy admitted assaulting an emergency worker by beating, in Newport, on February 24, at an earlier hearing.

He also admitted criminal damage and possessing cannabis in Sandown, on March 12, and causing criminal damage on April 4, when he appeared before Island magistrates.

Police were told D'Arcy, of Barton Road, Newport, was drunk and absconded from St Mary's Hospital after stating he wanted to kill an ambulance crew, then jump in the River Medina.

Officers found him, insisting he return to hospital for treatment, but the 53-year-old punched a female police officer's head, said Tom Corke, prosecuting.

On March 12, at the Oyo Hotel, Sandown, which provides services for vulnerable people, D'Arcy hit and dented a door with a fire extinguisher, when refused entry due to the late hour.

When searched, officers found cannabis.

On April 4, D'Arcy ran amok at the Shanklin Beach Hotel, which provided accommodation.

D'Arcy was heard "shouting and screaming", amid the sound of smashing glass and furniture.

On the police's arrival, a guest had barricaded himself in his room, fearing D'Arcy would come out and cause further damage.

"The damage was severe. The room was trashed. Destruction," said Mr Corke.

D'Arcy, formerly of Arctic Road, Cowes, injured himself while smashing up the room, with his blood "sprayed" over a mattress and door.

A wall was significantly damaged; a radiator "ripped" off a wall; a desk completely destroyed and a window smashed — more than £3,000 damage caused.

Through solicitor, Barry Arnett, D'Arcy — described as "a classic binge drinker" with mental health issues — was remorseful, describing his assault as "horrendous".

"If he continues to offend, he'll either go to prison, or he'll die.

"He's gutted because the hotels housed him and that's the way he repaid them.

"He should look back on that period with horror and shame."

Magistrates handed him two years' probation, and must pay the officer £150 and £3,000 to the Shanklin Beach Hotel in compensation.