A prolific Isle of Wight offender asked the presiding judge for a hug after being spared a more serious sentence for breaching a suspended sentence order.

Michael Cooper, of Fort Street, Sandown, appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Thursday, November 14.

At a previous hearing in October, the 55-year-old admitted causing harassment, alarm or distress to a person, and failing to comply with a public spaces protection order.

The charges related to two separate incidents: one at a Sandown Town Council meeting, and the other on Sandown Esplanade.

The court heard Cooper entered the meeting at The Broadway Centre on July 29, appearing "lost and drunk".

An alcohol recovery meeting was also being held in the building at the time. 

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The court heard how Cooper stayed in the town council meeting and made several comments throughout, shouting "bulls**t" at different points.

When the meeting discussed a football foundation grant, Cooper proclaimed it was a "waste of money" and made racial slurs.

He went on to admit he was in the wrong meeting and shouted further obscenities as he walked out.

Tim Devlin, prosecuting, said the meeting was live streamed.

The second charge related to a separate incident, on August 29, in which Cooper was spotted by police on Sandown Esplanade.

The area is subject to a public protection spaces order, which means no alcohol can be consumed there, and Cooper was found with a can of cider at his feet which he refused to hand over.

Cooper was made subject of a six-month community order, to include ten rehabilitation days, and fined £50 for breaching his suspended sentence order.

Reacting to his sentence, Cooper, who in the absence of a dock officer was stood in the court room, said: “You’re the best judge I ever met. Can I hug you?”

When presiding Judge William Ashworth declined his invitation to embrace, Cooper added: “Thank you, guys. You are diamonds.

“I love you guys. I love your work. Well done.”