A RYDE man, dissatisfied with his meal, caused a ruckus at an Isle of Wight Wetherspoons and assaulted two staff members.

Richard Wetherick, of Vernon Square, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates today.

The 44-year-old admitted assault by beating, common assault and criminal damage, in Ryde, on June 17, 2021.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court police had been called to S. Fowler and Co Wetherspoons, in Ryde, at approximately 11.30pm.

She said Wetherick had initially entered the public house at around 7.40pm to have dinner with friends.

The court heard Wetherick had been unhappy with the service and started demanding names, but was refused on the grounds of data protection.

Ms Miller said Wetherick became aggressive, and though he eventually left the pub, he later returned to make threats toward staff.

She said he physically assaulted one of the staff members ­— shoving him backwards ­— and the other feared he was going to be headbutted.

The court heard Wetherick refused to leave, and when he was escorted out of the building, he re-entered through another door.

Escorted out again, the doors were locked, and Ms Miller said Wetherick threw a pub sign at a glass door, smashing the top pane.

The court heard he was abusive again outside, but eventually left.

Ms Miller said Wetherick had already been made subject of a six-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, for offences which pre-dated the Wetherspoons incident.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said the offences took place during a particularly stressful period in Wetherick's life.

He said the food served was not to the required standard and he asked for a replacement meal.

Mr Vincent said, when the fresh meal was brought to Wetherick, it was thrown on the table and a personal comment was made regarding his appearance.

He said matters escalated, and in police interview, Wetherick told officers one of the staff members had grabbed him by the testicles, causing considerable pain and embarrassment.

The court heard Wetherick was in receipt of benefits and was already paying court fines.

Wetherick was given a 12-month community order, to include 15 rehabilitation days, and must pay £336 compensation to Wetherspoons.

He must also pay costs of £85 and a £95 surcharge.