A policeman's 'Portsmouthian' language led to him being abused by a man who had stolen wine from the Co-op, a court heard.

Scott Edward Cooper, 31, of Green Street, Ryde, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court last Friday, where he pleaded guilty to one count of theft and one count of making threats.

Prosecutor Vivian Ducie said: "It's a standard shop theft, he stole a bottle of wine from the co-op on Pyle Street, Newport.

"When the arresting officer tried to use Portsmouthian language towards him, things unfortunately got a bit lairy."

The court heard how Cooper had been released on post-sentence supervision following a conviction in October last year for which he received a 12-week prison sentence.

"Its important to note I have met with officers in the probation service who are adamant this is a singular blip for a man who has been doing remarkably well with his probation."

Cooper's defence, Barry Arnett, said: "It's very refreshing to see a probation officer come to court to say just how well someone has been doing.

"This was a brief lapse in his judgement and a brief lapse in his streak of staying away from alcohol.

"He is sincerely sorry and as you have heard he is taking the steps to turn his life around."

The magistrates ordered Cooper to pay £20 compensation to Co-op.

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