An Isle of Wight man who smashed the door of a Sandown pub with a bat, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage and forcing staff to barricade themselves in, has been sentenced.

Stephen Miller, of no fixed abode but formerly of Avenue Road, Sandown, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, July 18.

The 60-year-old had previously appeared in the same court on June 21, when he admitted criminal damage and a public order offence.

Miller was drinking on his own in The Tap pub, on Avenue Road, on April 15, Ann Smout, prosecuting, said.

Read more: Popular Isle of Wight pub had to have door barricaded due to drunk

He went on to talk to a group of women at the bar but was told to go away after making reference to his time in prison.

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 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, the court heard.

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

Representing himself, Miller said he had drunk ten pints, and had a habit of following through with the things he said.

He told the court that prior to the incident he had not consumed alcohol for around two years.

"When I came out of prison last time, I said I have to do this for myself", he said.

"I'm 60 years old. I'm not proud of it and I'm stupid".

Miller was handed a 12 month community order and given 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Due to his means, magistrates ordered him to pay £500 in compensation.