MAGISTRATES say an Isle of Wight man should get probation, after he randomly punched a school student in the jaw.

Robert Kasperski, of Park Road, Shanklin, admitted assaulting a teenage boy by beating, on July 4, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

At around 6pm, the student was walking with friends along Regent Street, after leaving Shanklin Railway Station, when he was confronted by Kasperski.

Kasperski raised his fist, uttered some words incoherently, then struck the boy's jaw, which left him shocked and in pain for two days, said Lauren Stone, prosecuting.

The young victim was left terrified by the unprovoked attack and unable to know what had caused Kasperski to do it, court heard.

An adult eyewitness confirmed Kasperski had assaulted a teenager in school uniform with a single blow.

Kasperski, 49, was convicted of another assault in 2020.

On Friday, November 17, for Kasperski, Nick Muir said his client had no memory of the incident, but admitted he had been drinking alcohol and was sorry for the harm caused.

Magistrates ordered a report, covering all sentencing options including jail, but said they had pitched his punishment at a probation order.

Kasperski was bailed to reappear for sentencing at the same venue, on January 5, 2024.