An Isle of Wight man has been jailed after consistently missing unpaid work as part of a previous sentence.

Stephen Anthony Berry, of Weston Road, Cowes, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the requirements of a community order at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 30.

Probation told the court the 34-year-old was handed a community order and unpaid work after being sentenced for two breaches of a non-molestation order in December 2022.

Berry was accused of not showing up for his unpaid work but claimed he was not fit to work, despite not providing medical evidence.

Between April 11 and 14, Berry missed four consecutive unpaid workdays and frequently missed other days, despite letters, texts and attempted phone calls made to him by his probation officer.

Probation said he continues to attend his paid employment and has 196 outstanding hours of unpaid work, with just four completed, describing his actions as ‘wilful non-compliance'.

Jim Osborne, defending, said in October 2021, Berry’s relationship of 14 years ended and he misses his children, and his mental health has suffered as a result.

Mr Osborne said his client now knows he should have provided medical evidence for his unauthorised absences.

'That's bulls*t', Berry said, leaving the dock into custody before his 24-week jail sentence was announced by magistrates.