A NEWPORT man's "complete meltdown" saw him assault two police officers after starting fights at Wetherspoons.

Drew Whittaker, of Carisbrooke Road, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, February 4.

The 19-year-old admitted assault by beating and two counts of assault by beating police officers, in Newport, between January 1 and 2, 2022.

He also admitted criminal damage to a shirt, and possession of cocaine.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court police had been called to The Man in the Moon public house at around 11.30pm on New Year's Day.

She said Whittaker had started a fight with several people as he tried to push his way through the queue and enter the building.

Ms Miller said he approached police, heavily intoxicated, and repeatedly hit out while being put in the police van.

The court heard he continued to kick out while inside the van, and became violent on his way to his cell at the police station, lashing out.

Ms Miller said he took hold of one officer's shirt and kicked out at another, causing injury to his elbow.

A quantity of drugs was found at his property.

Jim Osborne, defending, said Whittaker pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and regretted his actions. He suffered from anxiety and depression, and had recently been taking medication.

He said Whittaker could not remember anything about the incident except blacking out and having a complete meltdown.

Whittaker saw his case adjourned for a pre-sentence report, and will next appear in court on March 4.

He was granted conditional bail, and told not to go to the Man on the Moon.