An Isle of Wight man, involved in an incident with another man and a dog that alarmed the public in Newport Town Centre, has been sentenced for non-dog related offences.

Terence Perkins, of Barton Road in Newport, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 1, and pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in public and obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty.

Lauren McConnell, prosecuting, said the 39-year-old was one of two intoxicated men involved in an incident with a small-terrier dog in Newport Town Centre that attracted social media attention on September 13.

Ms McConnell said police were alerted to reports that the dog was being dragged along and tripped over around town.

The court heard that when police located the two men on Pyle Street, Perkins was exiting the Santander bank.

Ms McConnell told magistrates police were arresting the other man when Perkins obstructed an officer and left the scene before returning and getting arrested as well.

Perkins’ last conviction was on August 6, when he was handed a 12-month community order for offences including criminal damage and shoplifting.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, acknowledged the social media attention the dog incident attracted and emphasised that his client has not been charged with any dog-related offences.

Mr McGoldrick told the court that Perkins’ two new offences were ‘inappropriate’ but a much lower level compared to his previous offending.

Magistrates handed Perkins an £80 fine and ordered him to pay £85 in costs and a £32 surcharge.