An Isle of Wight man who told a takeaway worker he would cut her “like kebab meat” and punched his girlfriend has been sentenced.

Jack Taylor, of Captains Parade, East Cowes, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday, March 8

The 25-year-old, who did not attend his trial, was found guilty of assault by beating and using threatening and abusive words to cause alarm or distress.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said Taylor got into an argument with his girlfriend – and told her he was going to punch her – outside Newport High Street’s Ephesus Pizza and Grill on March 29 last year.

A staff member tried to intervene before Taylor shouted abusive and homophobic slurs and said, “I’m going to cut you up like kebab meat.”

The court heard how Taylor proceeded to grab his girlfriend and “whack her head and continue to punch her.”

When told by staff to leave, Taylor threatened, "I'm going to slash you in a minute,” before he left.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, said medication has had a positive effect on his client, and he has made a "significant transformation."

Magistrates handed Taylor an 18-month community order to include a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement and 12-month restraining order.

Taylor must also complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £650 costs and a £114 surcharge.