AN ISLE of Wight man who made racist remarks, and threatened to burn a house down while still at large, after police arrested the wrong person, has been sentenced.

Joshua Honan Parr, of Ocean View Road, Ventnor, appeared before a judge at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday, October 27.

At a previous hearing in August, the 25-year-old admitted racially aggravated fear or provocation of violence, and intimidation, on June 16.

Prosecutor, Nick Mather, said Parr approached his victim at around 9am – a man he believed was involved in an assault on his partner earlier in the year.

The court heard he shouted racist abuse at him, stating he was going to “F**k him up”.

When the police were called, Mr Mather said officers arrested the victim on suspicion of affray, rather than arresting the defendant, and while still at large, Parr visited the victim’s partner’s home and made further threats, telling her he would come back and burn the house down.

Harry Stallard, defending, said Parr was particularly remorseful about what took place.

He had been diagnosed with autism and ADHD since he was 16,  and had difficulty understanding the emotional needs of others.

Parr left school without any formal qualifications, was currently unemployed, but had taken steps to improve himself, being offered an apprenticeship.

Mr Stallard said he had already spent a considerable amount of time in prison but had a positive trajectory.

He said his partner was expecting the birth of their baby daughter and fatherhood was an opportunity for him to exercise responsibility.

Parr, who had 15 previous court appearances for 42 offences, was handed an eight-month prison term – one which he had effectively served already in custody – and was released.