An Isle of Wight man missed his sentencing due to a mishap over using Microsoft Teams.

Harry Downer, of Windmill Lane, Freshwater, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 20, after previously pleading guilty to assault by beating, criminal damage and failing to surrender to court bail.

Liz Miller, prosecuting, said the assault and criminal damage offences took place on January 9, when the 23-year-old assaulted a female before causing damage to the value of £230 to her mobile phone.

Downer was expected to appear before magistrates on September 20 but failed to attend, and a pre-sentence report has not been completed.

Ms Miller told the court Downer was expected to attend through Microsoft Teams, but he did not know how to use the platform.

A spokesperson for the probation service said Downer had previously said he knew how to use it.

“Teams is not complicated,” said Ms Miller, “it is not a hard thing to do.”

Michael McGoldrick, defending, said his client works at The Needles operating children's rides, ‘pressing buttons like in the 1980s’, claiming it was difficult for Downer to use Teams.

“Just because the prosecutor can use Teams, doesn’t mean he [Downer] can,” Mr McGoldrick said.

Downer will now be sentenced on November 24.