ANOTHER chance has been given to a Freshwater man who caused a nuisance in his neighbourhood.

David Hopkins, 59, of Sunset Close, was convicted of two counts of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, on August 20, 2019, at the IW Magistrates' Court in December. He appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Thursday (9) for sentencing.

The offences took place 12 days after he received a suspended custodial sentence for battery and damaging property by throwing a smoke bomb into a neighbour's home and throwing a red liquid over the occupant.

The court heard Hopkins had 25 convictions for 47 offences, dating back to 1978.

Prosecutor Jennifer Gray said the recent offences arose when children aged nine and 11 were playing football at a grassy area near Hopkins' home, when he shouted abuse at them.

He said he would burn their houses down, as well as other vile and abusive threats.

The parent of the children came over and were threatened in a similar way.

Jonathan Underhill, representing Hopkins, said his client accepted he was a 'nightmare' when drunk, and had a problem with alcohol abuse.

Hopkins, a night porter at The Bugle, Yarmouth, and part-time carer for his partner, said he had sought the help of Inclusion and Alcoholics Anonymous and was 'disgusted and ashamed' at his behaviour.

Recorder Anna Midgley said it would be 'unjust' to activate the suspended sentence as Hopkins' compliance with his community order had been good and she didn't want to 'derail progress'.

He was given a 12-month community order to include 150 hours of unpaid work and ten further rehabilitation days.

His suspended custodial sentence was further suspended, from 12 months to 24 months.

He must also pay £80 costs and a £90 surcharge.

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