AN ISLE of Wight man who assaulted a ten-year-old and is responsible for multiple incidents of child cruelty will go before a judge later this year.

Darren Sheppard, of Parkway, Apse Heath, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, September 24.

The 38-year-old admitted child cruelty and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, in Ryde, between January 1, 2023, and March 14, 2024.

Prosecutor, Lauren McConnell, said Sheppard’s vulnerable victim was just ten years old and the offences came to light following a revelation at the child’s school.

She told the court Sheppard slapped the victim, and a safeguarding lead revealed there had been two further incidents involving physical harm.

On one occasion, the court heard Sheppard hit the child with a scooter.

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Mrs McConnell said the charge involved multiple incidents of cruelty.

Adrian Dodd, defending, said Sheppard went to the school and effectively handed himself in.

Mr Dodd said while some physical harm was administered, he couldn't say if there was any lasting harm.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction of the case and Sheppard saw his case adjourned to October 28 at the Isle of Wight Crown Court.

He was granted unconditional bail and an all-options pre-sentence report was ordered.