AN ISLE of Wight man smashed in a pub door with a cricket bat, leading staff members to barricade it shut, after he was kicked out of the venue for bad behaviour.

Stephen Miller, of Avenue Road, Sandown, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, June 20.

The 60-year-old admitted criminal damage and a public order offence, in Sandown, on April 15.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, said Miller had been drinking at The Tap, off Avenue Road.

He was drinking on his own and was OK at first, according to a witness, but went on to talk to a group of women at the bar.

He made reference to his time in prison and was told to go away in no uncertain terms.

Mrs Smout said Miller was later told to leave the venue, and he made a threat, telling staff: “You won’t have a pub when I come back.”

Staff called the police and were told to lock the door.

Miller returned, armed with a cricket bat, and proceeded to smash in the door, causing £786 worth of damage.

Staff members had to barricade the door closed and there was a suggestion one of them got some shattered glass in their eye.

Miller was arrested, and in police interview, said he drank too much and was sorry, but denied making threats.

Representing himself, Miller told the bench he had a habit of following through with the things he said, but prior to the incident, he had not consumed alcohol for around two years.

The case was adjourned to July 18 for a pre-sentence report.