A MAN was described as "well known to the courts" when he appeared in the dock with 33 previous convictions for 62 offences.

Keith William Butcher, 45, of Maxted Close, Cowes, was sentenced for his latest offence at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday.

He had previously admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm on the day of his trial.

Gary Venturi, prosecuting, said Butcher accosted his victim, Mark Tucker, outside a nightclub.

He struck him with a blow to the head from behind, and pulled Tucker's hoody up over his head before administering another couple of blows.

He was shouting words to the effect of "get off my missus" and "she is my girlfriend" in relation to the woman Tucker was with.

Mr Venturi said the Crown Prosecution Service say there was some degree of planning and pre-meditation to the attack.

Jonathan Underhill, for Butcher, said it was accepted the offence crossed the custody threshold.

Judge, Recorder Paul Garlick, handed Butcher a 12-month custodial sentence but suspended it for two years.

Butcher must abide by certain conditions including 25 rehabilitation days and an electronic curfew between the hours of 9pm and 6am for three months.

He must pay a £140 victim surcharge.